The supplement Fatty15 has been gaining attention, with claims that its key ingredient, pentadecanoic acid (C15:0), is an essential fatty acid that can slow and even reverse aging at the cellular level. It's marketed as a holistic health solution, offering benefits from heart health to immune function and even improved sleep. But how much of this hype is supported by solid scientific evidence? This article will explore the claims surrounding Fatty15, examine the available research, and help you make an informed decision.
What is Fatty15?
Fatty15 is a dietary supplement formulated by Dr. Stephanie Venn-Watson and contains pentadecanoic acid, also known as C15:0, as its primary ingredient. C15:0 is an odd-chain saturated fatty acid naturally found in some whole foods, primarily dairy fat. The Fatty15 supplement is vegan-friendly and dairy-free, making it accessible to a wider range of consumers. It is promoted as a way to target health at a cellular level, adjusting and improving cellular functionalities.
The "Essential" Fatty Acid Claim
Fatty15 proponents suggest that a significant portion of the population, approximately 1 in 3 people, has a nutritional C15:0 deficiency, leading to accelerated aging and negative impacts on metabolic, heart, and liver health. The company marketing Fatty15 has even coined the term "Cellular Fragility Syndrome." However, it is important to approach these claims with caution.
For a nutrient to be considered "deficient," it must first be classified as "essential," meaning the body cannot produce it and it must be obtained through diet to maintain health. While research on C15:0 is ongoing, only a limited number of researchers are exploring its potential as a newly described essential fatty acid. The National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine, the authority on determining essential nutrient requirements, does not currently recognize C15:0 as essential. Therefore, the claim that C15:0 is the "first essential fatty acid to be discovered in over 90 years" requires further validation.
Fatty15 offers a blood test for $199 to determine C15:0 "deficiency," followed by the sale of a 30-day supply of the supplement for around $50. This business model raises questions about potential conflicts of interest, as the company profits from both diagnosing a perceived deficiency and selling the solution.
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Potential Health Benefits: What Does the Research Say?
While the research on C15:0 is still in its early stages, some studies suggest potential health benefits. In vitro and animal studies have indicated that C15:0 may possess anti-inflammatory properties and help regulate sugar metabolism. Other studies have associated higher blood levels of C15:0 with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease. However, these studies do not prove that taking a C15:0 supplement directly causes these benefits; other factors in individuals with high C15:0 levels may be responsible.
Importantly, no randomized controlled trials have investigated the ability of C15:0 to impact markers of longevity in humans, despite Fatty15’s emphasis on its anti-aging potential.
Examining Clinical Trials
Only two randomized trials have been published that examine the effects of C15:0 supplementation in humans.
One trial, partially funded by a company that produces oils for food, involved 88 women with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Participants were assigned to a control group, a group consuming a reduced-calorie Mediterranean diet, or a group consuming the same diet plus 300 mg of C15:0 daily. After 12 weeks, both diet groups experienced greater weight loss and liver fat reduction compared to the control group. However, the C15:0 group did not show significant improvement compared to the Mediterranean-diet-only group, except for a modest decrease in LDL ("bad") cholesterol.
The second trial, a pilot study partly funded by Fatty15's manufacturer, involved 30 young adults with excess weight who received either 200 mg of Fatty15 or a placebo daily. After 12 weeks, the Fatty15 group had higher blood levels of C15:0, as expected. However, there were no significant differences between the groups in body weight, waist circumference, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, blood sugar, or a marker of inflammation.
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It's important to note that the Fatty15 supplement label recommends a dose of 100 mg of C15:0, and no studies have specifically examined this dosage.
C15:0 and Weight Loss
Some proponents suggest that C15:0 can support weight loss by activating cellular pathways such as AMPK and PPAR-alpha, which regulate fat burning, energy use, and blood sugar. These are the same mechanisms triggered by exercise or intermittent fasting. Additionally, C15:0 may help regulate insulin response, reduce chronic inflammation, and support lower cortisol levels, potentially mitigating stress-driven weight gain and promoting more stable hormonal rhythms.
One individual, Jeannett Barleen, reported losing 16 pounds after incorporating Fatty15 into her routine and making dietary changes. However, it's crucial to recognize that individual experiences may vary and are not indicative of guaranteed results for everyone.
Food Sources of C15:0
C15:0 can be obtained through whole-fat dairy and some grass-fed meats. However, with the current trend toward low-fat or plant-based diets, many individuals may not consume enough of these foods to reach potentially beneficial levels of C15:0.
Fatty15 vs. Fish Oil
Both fish oils and Fatty15 supplements offer wide-reaching health benefits. However, Fatty15 could serve as a better option for those following a vegan diet or who can’t tolerate fish oils, given its plant-derived source.
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Safety and FDA Approval
The creators of Fatty15 have received Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status from the FDA in 2021, indicating that the product is considered safe for the majority of people.
Who Might Consider Fatty15?
Fatty15 is marketed towards a variety of individuals, including:
- Health-conscious individuals
- Those seeking to improve gut health
- People struggling with weight management
- Individuals experiencing chronic inflammation
- Fitness enthusiasts
- People with dry skin
- Individuals concerned about aging