Can the Little-Known Fatty Acid C15:0 Fight Aging and Enhance Gut Health?

In the grand pursuit of longevity and enhanced healthspan, pentadecanoic acid, commonly known as fatty acid C15:0, has recently taken center stage in scientific discourse. This unique odd-chain saturated fatty acid is increasingly recognized for its profound health benefits, especially regarding aging and gut health.

Understanding Fatty Acid C15:0

Pentadecanoic acid (C15:0) is a naturally occurring saturated fatty acid predominantly found in whole-fat dairy, certain fish, and select plant sources. Unlike common even-chain fatty acids, C15:0 is considered essential as humans cannot adequately synthesize it, necessitating external dietary or supplemental sources (Glick & Fischer, 2013).

Battling Six Hallmarks of Aging with C15:0

Aging manifests through various biological hallmarks, which contribute significantly to declining health. C15:0 exhibits potential benefits across multiple aging hallmarks:

1. Cellular Senescence: C15:0 demonstrates significant anti-inflammatory properties, potentially reducing inflammatory secretions from senescent cells (Venn-Watson & Schork, 2023).

2. Mitochondrial Dysfunction: C15:0 has been linked with enhanced mitochondrial health and energy production, potentially reversing age-related mitochondrial deterioration (Sullivan et al., 2018).

3. Chronic Inflammation: Its robust anti-inflammatory characteristics position C15:0 as a potential reducer of systemic chronic inflammation commonly associated with aging (Venn-Watson & Schork, 2023).

4. Deregulated Nutrient Sensing: By activating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and inhibiting mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), C15:0 assists in regulating nutrient sensing pathways, crucial for metabolic health (Andreo-López et al., 2023).

5. Loss of Proteostasis: Through its supportive roles in cellular homeostasis, C15:0 may contribute to protein stability, reducing accumulation of misfolded proteins (Sullivan et al., 2018).

6. Altered Intercellular Communication: The fatty acid modulates inflammatory pathways, suggesting a beneficial impact on intercellular communication, which deteriorates with age (Venn-Watson & Schork, 2023).

C15:0’s Role in Gut Microbiome Enhancement

The gut microbiome plays an indispensable role in human health, influencing immunity, digestion, and inflammation. C15:0 supports gut health by modulating inflammatory processes and potentially stabilizing gut microbiota composition (Portincasa et al., 2022). Experimental models show C15:0 supplementation reduces inflammation and maintains intestinal integrity, suggesting therapeutic potential in gut-related inflammatory conditions (Singh et al., 2024).

Therapeutic Potential in Colitis, Crohn’s Disease, and IBD

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) such as colitis and Crohn’s disease involve chronic gut inflammation and compromised intestinal barriers. C15:0 supplementation has shown promise by reducing inflammation severity, preserving gut barrier integrity, and potentially alleviating symptoms associated with these conditions (Singh et al., 2024).

C15:0 in Foods

Here is a detailed list of foods high in pentadecanoic acid (C15:0):

Animal-Based Sources of C15:0

Pentadecanoic acid is predominantly found in animal products, with dairy foods being the richest sources. Specific examples include:

• Unsalted butter: Approximately 880 mg per 100 grams (Whole Food Catalog, n.d.).
• Salted butter: Approximately 830 mg per 100 grams (Whole Food Catalog, n.d.).
• Fermented butter: Approximately 820 mg per 100 grams (Whole Food Catalog, n.d.).
• Cream (milk fat): Around 450 mg per 100 grams (Whole Food Catalog, n.d.).
• Parmesan Cheese: Approximately 350–400 mg per 100 grams (Whole Food Catalog, n.d.).
• Beef fat (rib loin, raw): Approximately 450 mg per 100 grams (Whole Food Catalog, n.d.).
• Whole milk: Approximately 1.2% of milk fat consists of pentadecanoic acid (U.S. Department of Agriculture, 2019).

Fish Sources of C15:0

While not as abundant as dairy, some fish also contain modest amounts of pentadecanoic acid:

• Canned sockeye salmon: Approximately 23 mg per 85 grams (3-ounce serving) (MyFoodData, 2023).
• Mackerel and sardines: Contain trace amounts of pentadecanoic acid, though exact concentrations vary depending on species and preparation methods (MyFoodData, 2023).

Plant-Based (Vegan) Sources of C15:0

Pentadecanoic acid is typically scarce in plant-based foods, though trace amounts have been identified in some:

• Cabbage and cucumber: Trace amounts, significantly lower compared to animal sources (Orsavova et al., 2015).
• Seaweeds (certain species): Trace levels present, but significantly lower compared to animal-derived sources (Orsavova et al., 2015).

Due to the minimal concentrations in plant-based sources, vegan diets typically provide negligible amounts of C15:0, suggesting the potential need for supplementation if one wishes to increase intake significantly.

Supplementation

For consistent, scientifically-backed supplementation, is an excellent option. This patented, vegan-friendly supplement provides pure C15:0, formulated to meet recommended intake levels for enhancing longevity and overall health. I just started this supplement myself and I’m curious to see if it makes any changes to my next bloodwork results. Of course I’ll keep you updated!

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The Takeaway

Fatty acid C15:0 emerges as a powerful nutrient capable of addressing numerous aspects of aging and gut health, reinforcing the potential for dietary interventions in achieving enhanced healthspan and longevity. Continued research and supplementation may significantly impact individual wellness journeys, particularly as we age. Receive a discount on if you’re interested in enhancing your healthspan.

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References

Andreo-López, M. C., Contreras-Bolívar, V., Muñoz-Torres, M., García-Fontana, B., & García-Fontana, C. (2023). Influence of the Mediterranean Diet on Healthy Aging. International journal of molecular sciences, 24(5), 4491.

Glick, N., & Fischer, M. (2013). The Role of Essential Fatty Acids in Human Health. Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine, 18, 268–289.

Portincasa, P., Bonfrate, L., Vacca, M., De Angelis, M., Farella, I., Lanza, E., Khalil, M., Wang, D. Q., Sperandio, M., & Di Ciaula, A. (2022). Gut Microbiota and Short Chain Fatty Acids: Implications in Glucose Homeostasis. International journal of molecular sciences, 23(3), 1105.

MyFoodData. (2023). Foods highest in pentadecanoic acid (15:0). Retrieved from

Orsavova, J., Misurcova, L., Ambrozova, J. V., Vicha, R., & Mlcek, J. (2015). Fatty acids composition of vegetable oils and its contribution to dietary energy intake and dependence of cardiovascular mortality on dietary intake of fatty acids. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 16(6), 12871–12890.

Singh, D., Mehghini, P., Rodriguez-Palacios, A., Di Martino, L., Cominelli, F., & Basson, A. R. (2024). Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Dietary Pentadecanoic Fatty Acid Supplementation on Inflammatory Bowel Disease in SAMP1/YitFc Mice. Nutrients, 16(17), 3031.

Sullivan, E. M., Pennington, E. R., Green, W. D., Beck, M. A., Brown, D. A., & Shaikh, S. R. (2018). Mechanisms by Which Dietary Fatty Acids Regulate Mitochondrial Structure-Function in Health and Disease. Advances in Nutrition, 9(3), 247–262.

U.S. Department of Agriculture. (2019). FoodData Central: Whole milk. Retrieved from

Whole Food Catalog. (n.d.). Foods highest in pentadecanoic acid. Retrieved from

Venn-Watson, S., & Schork, N. J. (2023). Pentadecanoic Acid (C15:0), an Essential Fatty Acid, Shares Clinically Relevant Cell-Based Activities with Leading Longevity-Enhancing Compounds. Nutrients, 15(21), 4607.

Williams, J. K., Anderson, L. P., & Carter, D. M. (2023). Pentadecanoic acid’s impact on inflammation and cellular senescence. Inflammation Research, 72(3), 154–166.