Fatty15 Review: A Certified Sports Nutrition Coach’s Take on This New Fatty Acid Supplement (2024)
Fatty15
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When it comes to the classification of dietary fats, there is a wide array of terminologies that are used to define them. In fact, from my experience as a nutrition coach, many clients find the discussion of dietary fat incredibly overwhelming. Are saturated fats or unsaturated fats the type that are unhealthy, or wait, maybe it’s the trans fats? There’s also cholesterol, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids—the list goes on. And now we’re going to add one more in the mix—C15:0 (pronounced see-fifteen).
C15:0, or pentadecanoic acid, is another beneficial type of fatty acid (more on that below), which has been shown to reverse cellular aging and is correlated with a lower risk of obesity and early death. You may be able to consume the nutrient through dietary sources, but also via a relatively new and vegan-friendly supplement: fatty15.
Here, we’ll be reviewing fatty15, a fatty acid supplement from Seraphina Therapeutics. We will discuss everything you need to know about this supplement, including the company’s claims, potential pros and things to consider, what the scientific literature has to say and of course the price point and consumer reviews. Read on to learn more about how fatty15 supplementation may work to support your overall health.
This content is meant to be informative, but should not be taken as medical advice. It is not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention or treatment of health problems. Always speak with your doctor before starting any new supplement or exercise regimen.
Fatty15 At a Glance
- Single-ingredient formula containing 100 milligrams of FA15 (C15:0)
- Formulated to promote healthy aging
- One capsule per day serving size
- Vegan-friendly supplement
Pros:
- Substantial independent and peer-reviewed science linking C15:0 (the ingredient in fatty15) to numerous health benefits
- Odorless and tasteless vegan capsule
- Environmentally friendly packaging including a reusable, refillable bottle
- Artificial ingredient and preservative free
- Consumer rated at 4.8 out of 5 stars on the fatty15 website
- Fatty15 offers a 20% subscribe and save discount
Things To Consider:
- Fatty15 is a premium supplement that comes with a price point at just over $1.30 a day
- You may be able to consume sufficient C15:0 through dietary sources with a well-planned diet, but C15:0 rich foods may also contain higher levels of pro-inflammatory fatty acids
- The potential benefits of C15:0 supplementation is still an area of continued research, and more human-based clinical studies are necessary to support the current claims.
- You may still want to consider taking an omega-3 supplement, such as a fish oil, in addition to C15:0 if recommended by your doctor
Fatty15 Claims
Fatty15
The creators of fatty15, along with Edward Dennis, Ph.D., fatty15 scientific advisor and former editor-in-chief of the Journal of Lipid Research, have proposed that C15:0 is a potential candidate to join the ranks of the omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids which are classified as essential for human health. The term essential means these fatty acids are necessary for optimal human function and cannot be made by the body, or created in sufficient amounts. Therefore, they must be consumed through the diet or via supplementation.
Fatty15 believes its supplement falls into these essential ranks, as it is designed to work at the cellular level to reverse the key hallmarks of aging as defined by Lopez-Otin et al., 2013. Without diving too deep into the specific science of each hallmark, some of the potential benefits of fatty15 supplementation may include reduced fatigue, lower levels of inflammation, improved muscle retention, improved immunity and an overall reduced risk of chronic disease.
A key function of the C15:0 fatty acid is that it helps to protect the body’s cells from age-related oxidative stress. This means the ingredient in fatty15 helps to keep your cells youthful and healthy which leads to a number of potential health benefits, including healthier skin, increased energy levels and improved metabolic, heart, liver and immune health.
What is C15:0?
Let’s start by mentioning that dietary fat is necessary for survival and plays an essential role in our overall health and wellness. Understanding the different types of fat and the roles they play in the body helps us to avoid any unnecessary fear of dietary fat.
C15:0 is a type of saturated fatty acid with a specific chemical structure that gives foods that are high in saturated fats distinct physical properties that you associate with other saturated fats, like being solid at room temperature (think butter, cheese and coconut oil).
The primary dietary sources of C15:0 include whole-fat dairy products, beef, certain types of fish and a few plants. Based on current research, individuals should try to get between 100 to 200 milligrams of C15:0 per day. Note that as more clinical trials on the supplement are ongoing, this number may change to reflect the results of an efficacious dose. While it may be possible to naturally obtain an adequate amount of C15:0 through the diet, there may be some potential limitations, such as consuming a vegetarian or vegan meal plan. Additionally, foods containing C15:0 may contain much higher concentrations of proinflammatory fatty acids.
The reason C15:0 has garnered so much attention is that it has a number of potential health and wellness benefits. Research published in 2015 had initially found that increased concentrations of C15:0 fatty acid in the blood showed a significant inverse association with chronic diseases such as atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in the arteries), type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease. Seraphina Therapeutics has also compiled a library of peer-reviewed sources linking C15:0 to better health, available at Discover C15.
Related Post: The Best Diets for Heart Health
In 2022, the founders of fatty15 published further research which compared the health benefits of C15:0 to an omega-3 fatty acid known as EPA. From this data, we can see that C15:0 supplementation is directly linked to improved metabolic, heart, liver, immune and cell health.
Specific benefits of fatty15 supplementation based on company-authored research include:
- Helps to strengthen the body’s cells and reduce the damage caused by age-related oxidative stress
- Assists in repairing mitochondrial function, the body’s main energy source
- Activates receptors that regulate the body’s metabolism, immunity, sleep and appetite
It is important to note that despite being company authored, all of the technical studies in these papers were conducted by independent third-party agencies. When interviewing fatty15 co-founder Dr. Stephanie Venn-Watson, DVM, MPH, about these studies, she mentions, “there are many peer-reviewed scientific publications from prestigious, independent institutions around the world linking C15:0 to better health. Many of these papers used the pure, free fatty acid C15:0 in their studies—the same (and only) ingredient in fatty15. All of our studies with C15:0 have been and will continue to be conducted by independent third-parties, which we deem critical to ensuring that our research discoveries and scientific findings are held to the highest standards.”
Fatty15 Cost
Fatty15 is priced at $49.95 per bottle which equates to $1.67 per serving. When compared to other essential fatty acid supplements on the market, this would definitely be considered a premium product at a premium price point. That being said, the fatty15 website states that their supplement is greater than 98 percent purity and is third-party tested prior to release to ensure quality. You can also take advantage of their subscribe and save discount offered on the 90-day fatty15 starter kit which will save you 20% and drop the price down to $1.33 per serving.
Who Should Use Fatty15
Fatty15
Based on the current research, anyone can benefit from the use of fatty15. If you are someone who prioritizes optimizing your health, then this supplement may further enhance your overall well-being. However, this supplement does come with a significant investment, so I would suggest ensuring that you are following a healthy diet, exercising regularly and getting quality sleep before simply adding fatty15 to your routine and hoping for the best.
This supplement may also be particularly helpful for individuals that follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, or if you have substituted drinking whole-fat cow’s milk with plant-based milk products (which contain no C15:0). As most dietary sources of C15:0 are animal-based, it is likely that you are not getting enough of this nutrient if your diet doesn’t include animal products. It may be worth giving fatty15 a try for a few months to see if you notice any positive health outcomes.
Who Should Not Use Fatty15
If you consume a diet that is rich in animal products such as whole-fat dairy and beef, then it is possible you are consuming a sufficient amount of C15:0 fatty acid and wouldn’t need to further supplement with fatty15. That being said, dietary sources of C15:0 are also high in even-chain fatty acids like palmitic acid which are linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease. (potential for higher sources of omega-3s to reduce concentration of blood serum C15:0)
The benefit of fatty15 is that it contains C15:0 without the other potentially harmful saturated fats. If you have any preexisting health conditions or are taking any prescription medications, then it is highly recommended to speak with your healthcare provider before beginning a fatty15 supplement regimen.
Potential Side Effects of Fatty15
- Fatty15 achieved its GRAS (generally recognized as safe) status from the FDA up to 245 milligrams per day
- It was also found to be non-cytotoxic across all 12 systems of the BioMAP Diversity PLUS Panel up to concentrations of 50 micromolar
- Based on these results, there are no known side effects of fatty15 as long as you follow the recommended dosage directions of one capsule per day
- It’s always best practice to consult with a healthcare professional before adding a supplement such as fatty15 to your daily routine
What Customers Are Saying About Fatty15
With over 1,000 customer reviews on the fatty15 official website, the product is rated at 4.8 out of 5 stars and it’s safe to say that consumers are really enjoying this supplement. While some reviews focus on how they feel mentally, physically and emotionally better, others provide concrete evidence of their personal success stories using fatty15. One consumer even describes lowering their cholesterol levels by 38 points and that their triglyceride levels returned to normal after supplementing with fatty15 for two and a half months. Other prevalent themes in many reviews involve an improved quality of sleep and increased energy levels throughout the day.
In terms of negative reviews, there are inevitably going to be a handful of people who don’t experience any noticeable benefits when using the product and therefore discontinue use. However, I didn’t see any negative customer reviews regarding supplement defects, issues with customer service or noting any adverse side effects, which is a great sign.
Note: Nastasi is conducting personal testing of Fatty15 and this piece will be updated with his feedback after he has had sufficient time to test the product.
About Fatty15
Fatty15
Fatty15 is a C15:0 fatty acid supplement designed by the husband and wife duo of doctors Stephanie and Eric Venn-Watson. The idea for the supplement originated while co-founder Stephanie was working as a veterinary epidemiologist for the Navy helping dolphins live longer and healthier lives. Through her studies she noticed that based on location, dolphin pods aged differently and even developed age-related conditions similar to humans, such as metabolic syndrome, chronic inflammation, high cholesterol and liver disease. She discovered that the healthiest dolphins had the highest levels of an odd-chain saturated fatty acid called C15:0. So the tests began and interestingly enough, as older dolphins were provided a diet rich in C15:0 fatty acid, their health outcomes began to improve.
Studies with Stephanie as the lead author that found dolphins and humans may have some similarities in terms of aging. This means that the discovery of C15:0’s health benefits for dolphins could potentially help aging humans as well. In 2020, the founders published their initial findings in Nature Scientific Reports, a peer-reviewed science and medicine journal, and soon after fatty15 was born. Fatty15 is the world’s first C15:0 fatty acid supplement. The company also prioritizes packaging made with renewable materials. Fatty15 comes in a reusable, refillable glass bottle that comes with an eco-friendly bamboo cap. Refill pouches are then shipped quarterly, which can be added directly to your reusable glass bottle to eliminate excess waste.
In addition to the initial 2020 study, a subsequent company-authored study was published in 2022 comparing the benefits of C15:0 to the omega-3 supplement eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). The study found that C15:0 had clinically relevant beneficial health outcomes across numerous human cell-based systems that were broader and safer than EPA. There is an ongoing double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial using fatty15 that’s being conducted at the University of California San Diego. I’m extremely excited to see these eventual results and learn more about how fatty15 can positively impact our health.
Fatty15 vs. Omega-3s
The primary difference between omega-3 fatty acids and fatty15 is in terms of their chemical structure. Omega-3’s are polyunsaturated fats meaning that they contain more than one double bond and therefore also remain liquid at room temperature. Unfortunately, these double bonds also mean that polyunsaturated fats are more susceptible to oxidation. While this oxidation won’t affect the omega-3s you get from whole food sources such as seafood, flaxseeds and walnuts, it can affect supplements such as fish oil pills. If these supplements undergo oxidation and become rancid, they can go from health promoting to health detracting supplements.
The benefit of C15:0 is that it is a saturated fatty acid meaning that it contains no double bonds. This means that it is not susceptible to oxidation and will remain stable, even at the cellular level. C15:0 has also been shown to have additional health benefits compared to omega-3 supplementation in terms of protecting the body’s cells against age-related conditions.
Fatty15 FAQs
Is Fatty15 legitimate?
Despite being a very new product on the market, fatty15 is a legitimate health and wellness supplement. While their initial findings support the reported beneficial health outcomes, I am excited to review the findings from their ongoing clinical trial at the University of California, San Diego. If successful, this double-blind, placebo controlled human study will solidify C15:0 as an essential nutrient that is necessary for optimal human health.
Does Fatty15 replace Omega-3?
Based on the current research, it does appear that fatty15 can replace your daily omega-3 supplement. However, if you have been prescribed an omega-3 supplement by your healthcare provider, you should consult with them prior to making any changes to your supplement routine.
What time of day should I take Fatty15?
Fatty15 advises adjusting your supplement use based on your specific needs. They state that near-term benefits peak between four and six hours after ingestion of the supplement. From the consumer reviews, it appears as if a majority of consumers use fatty15 in the morning, however, other individuals have found that taking fatty15 in the evening helps to support a deeper, more restful sleep.
How long does it take Fatty15 to work?
From the consumer reviews, it appears that many of fatty15’s customers report feeling a noticeable difference within two weeks of supplement use. These short-term benefits have been reported to include better sleep quality, less snacking and hunger between meals and an overall calmer mood. Longer-term benefits may include increased energy levels and improved healthy blood markers, but it will take consistent use over a longer period of time to see any improvements.
What does Fatty15 do for your body?
Fatty15 is formulated to promote overall health and wellness at the cellular level. What this means is that the supplement is designed to help protect your cells against age-related breakdowns by promoting stronger cells and even helping to repair damaged ones. For more information, you can check out fatty15’s list of potential benefits and the science that substantiates these claims at DiscoverC15.
Continuing Research
On an encouraging front, research on C15:0 and its growing list of potential benefits is an area of ongoing research. Numerous studies have continued to demonstrate how C15:0 works to support health benefits, including directly activating key receptors responsible for maintaining glucose control, lowering inflammation, and even stopping the growth of cancer cells. These studies, in addition to the ongoing human clinical trials at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) will continue to propel high-quality sources of C15:0, such as fatty15, into the mainstream.
In a recent article published in Nutrients, a peer-reviewed, open access journal on human nutrition Nutrients, C15:0 (dietary supplement) went head-to-head against three leading anti-aging drugs (prescription required), including rapamycin, metformin and acarbose.
Using an independent, third-party test lab (Eurofins), all four compounds were evaluated for dose dependent, clinically relevant, longevity enabling activities across a dozen cell-based systems. What this means is that this test is designed to evaluate the biological impact of a test compound against a wide variety of disease states.
The study results demonstrate that C15:0 had the most clinically relevant, dose-dependent activities. The study also shows that at their optimal doses, both C15:0 (17 μM) and rapamycin (9 μM) shared 24 activities across 10 cell systems, including anti-inflammatory, antifibrotic, and anticancer activities. This may be due to their roles as mTOR inhibitors, a key mechanism believed to extend human longevity.
What’s also noteworthy is that all four compounds (C15:0, rapamycin, metformin and acarbose) were found to be non-cytotoxic at all concentrations tested. The findings indicate that C15:0 may be a safe, non-prescription, natural and effective supplement, with strong evidence that it supports healthy aging and longevity in humans when compared to leading prescription therapeutics.
Takeaway: Does Fatty15 Actually Work?
The current research suggests that supplementation with a C15:0 fatty acid has broad reaching, positive health and wellness outcomes. That being said, the initial studies were largely performed in animal and cellular based models and therefore need to be substantiated in human clinical trials. These clinical trials are currently ongoing at the University of California, San Diego and will provide valuable insight into the potential beneficial health outcomes of supplementation with fatty15. While I am excited to review these results, the initial research and mounting positive customer reviews are enough evidence to try the product for myself. We will update this article with my personal experience using fatty15 after supplement use for 30, 60 and 90 days.
Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.
