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Dr. Stephanie Venn-Watson: Founder of Fatty15

Updated: Jun 7

Episode 66: How C15 Fatty Acid Could Be the Key to Longevity, Energy, and Better Sleep with Dr. Stephanie Venn-Watson, Founder of Fatty15's and Her New Book The Longevity Nutrient.



Episode Overview


In this episode of the BiohackerBlondie Podcast, Jenny Jones sits down with Dr. Stephanie Venn-Watson, veterinary epidemiologist, former Navy dolphin researcher, and co-founder of Fatty15, to dive deep into one of the most exciting longevity discoveries in modern health: C15:0 (pentadecanoic acid)—a newly identified essential fatty acid.


Originally uncovered through groundbreaking work with Navy dolphins living decades longer than wild dolphins, C15 has now emerged as a critical molecule for cellular repair, mitochondrial function, inflammation control, and longevity. Dr. Venn-Watson explains how this lipid not only supports heart, brain, and liver health but is also being studied as a potential geroprotector—a molecule that may slow the rate of aging.


This episode is packed with fascinating science, practical insights, and stories from her new book, The Longevity Nutrient. If you care about optimizing your energy, protecting your cells, and aging vibrantly, you’ll want to listen to this one.


🔍 Key Topics Covered


🐬 How C15 Was Discovered


  • The longevity of Navy dolphins vs. wild dolphins

  • Metabolomic research revealing C15 as a top health biomarker

  • Why researchers thought omega-3s would be the hero—but C15 stole the show


💥 Cellular & Mitochondrial Function


  • Why fatty acids are crucial to cell membrane strength and flexibility

  • How C15 protects cells from lipid peroxidation (oxidative stress)

  • Mitochondrial ATP production and its link to cellular energy


🧬 C15 vs. Other Fats


  • Difference between odd-chain vs. even-chain saturated fats

  • Why C15 (C15:0) lowers inflammation while C16 (palmitic acid) raises it

  • Clinical trials showing reduced LDL cholesterol and improved liver fat


🧠 Brain, Mood & Sleep Benefits


  • How C15 helps produce pentadecanoylcarnitine (PDC) – a powerful endocannabinoid

  • Impact on CB1 and CB2 receptors to support sleep, mood, and joint pain relief

  • Early studies linking C15 levels in pregnancy to improved childhood brain development


🧪 Science & Clinical Research


  • Peer-reviewed study comparing C15 to rapamycin, metformin, and acarbose

  • C15 activated AMPK and inhibited mTOR—both longevity pathways

  • C15 outperformed the leading 3 longevity drugs in cellular models

  • No observed side effects, even at 100x dose in safety studies


🧼 Nutrition, Deficiencies & Testing


  • Why most people today are deficient in C15 due to modern diet shifts

  • Grass-fed dairy (esp. Pecorino cheese) vs. corn-fed dairy

  • Inulin fiber supports gut bacteria that help generate more C15 internally

  • How to ask your doctor for a fatty acid panel that includes C15 testing


🐶 Pet Health & Longevity


  • C15 benefits extend to dogs and cats

  • New pet supplement: Longevity15 powered by Fatty15

  • Clinical studies show reduced GI issues and joint inflammation in dogs


📚 The Longevity Nutrient Book


  • Overview of chapters: dolphin research, human healthspan, immune, metabolic, heart & brain benefits

  • Indexed by condition for easy reference

  • Available at: www.thelongevitynutrient.com


🧪 Products Mentioned


Fatty15 – A pure, science-backed C15 supplement supporting long-term health📘 The Longevity Nutrient – Dr. Stephanie’s new book breaking down 10+ years of research🐶 Longevity15 (for pets) – Clean C15 formula developed for canine health🧬 C15 Fatty Acid Testing – Available via fatty acid panel at most functional medicine labs


💬 Final Notes


This episode highlights a profound shift in how we understand fat, aging, and cellular vitality. C15 is not just a supplement—it may be a missing link in our modern diets that holds the key to reversing inflammation, improving sleep, and enhancing metabolic and heart health.


If you’ve been curious about longevity molecules like rapamycin or metformin but hesitant due to side effects, C15 offers a promising, natural alternative.



Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.


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