Fatty acid C15:0 throws its hat into the longevity therapeutics ring

New study explores the longevity potential of C15:0 and how it rivals other leading longevity-enhancing compounds.
In the quest for unlocking the secrets of longevity and healthy aging, a recent paper has delved into the remarkable properties of a seemingly ordinary fatty acid: C15:0. While decades of nutrition advice have warned us away from saturated fat, research into a newly-discovered fatty acid has turned that on its head.

An essential dietary fat, C15:0’s primary source is whole fat dairy – but fear not! Findings suggest that C15:0, a natural odd-chain fatty acid which is also found in some plants and fish, might be a key player in promoting longevity. What is particularly intriguing is how C15:0 stands shoulder to shoulder with renowned longevity-enhancing compounds like rapamycin and metformin.

Longevity.Technology: Rapamycin and metformin have been longevity’s poster boys for a few years, and both are the subjects of trials evaluating their effectiveness for longevity (PEARL and TAME, respectively). While C15:0 is a relatively new kid on the longevity block, it has already had its associations with health studied in global meta-analyses of large prospective cohort studies – studies that have taken place over decades, most of which included healthy individuals. It’s time to see more of C15:0.

Measuring up
The paper, by Stephanie Venn-Watson DVM, MPH, and Nicholas J Schork PhD, examines in detail the cellular and clinical activities of C15:0, drawing parallels with rapamycin, a well-established longevity-enhancing compound derived from bacteria found on Easter Island. Surprisingly, despite their disparate origins, C15:0 and rapamycin exhibit strikingly similar effects, especially in their optimal doses.

At their optimal doses, C15:0 and rapamycin showcase 24 shared, significant cell-based activities across 10 out of 12 cell systems. These include the suppression of key inflammatory markers (MCP-1, HLA-DR, VCAM-1) and anticancer activities, highlighting their potential in mitigating cardiovascular disease, chronic inflammation – inflammaging – and cancer.

The study, which was conducted using the BioMAP Diversity PLUS system, also draws parallels between C15:0 and metformin, a widely prescribed diabetes medication known for its potential antiaging effects [1]. C15:0 and metformin share 11 common, significant cell-based activities, including impacting on inflammatory mediators and targeting fibrotic processes. C15:0’s role in inflammation spotlights its potential application in preventing type 2 diabetes, as does its action as an AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activator. AMPK is a central regulator of energy homeostasis, which coordinates metabolic pathways and therefore balances nutrient supply; this shared characteristic underlines the potential of C15:0 in metabolic regulation and its possible application in conditions like type 2 diabetes [2].

Longevity associations
The paper not only explores C15:0’s effect on cellular activities, but also delves into the extensive associations between circulating C15:0 concentrations and various health outcomes.

Cardiovascular health – higher C15:0 levels are linked to a lower risk of heart disease, including heart failure and myocardial infarctions.

Cancer protection – C15:0 demonstrates a strong antiproliferative effect on various cancer cell types, suggesting its potential role in cancer prevention and treatment.

Liver health – with the rising prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), C15:0 emerges as a potential ally; it shows associations with lower liver fat and beneficial activities in primary human cell systems relevant to NAFLD.

Slows aging – studies indicate that C15:0 can effectively slow down the aging rate, as evidenced by improvements in hemoglobin levels, a biomarker of cellular fragility and aging.

Inhibits mTor – mTor drives senescence [3], whereas increased levels of mTOR stimulate autophagy [4] and are associated with Alzheimer’s [5].

Wider health impacts – from mitigating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to lowering cholesterol, C15:0 appears to be a versatile compound with far-reaching health benefits.

A compelling case
Venn-Watson and Schork make a compelling case for C15:0 to be considered a longevity molecule, offering robust evidence supporting its role in healthy aging and longevity. Its extensive cell-based activities, when compared with leading longevity-enhancing therapeutics, position C15:0 as a promising candidate for longevity therapeutics and supplements.

Given the declining levels of C15:0 in the population and its associations with various age-related conditions, there is an urgent need for further evaluation to understand and harness the potential benefits of this essential nutrient. The authors draw a striking link between global nutritional C15:0 deficiencies and a rise in chronic age-related conditions – perhaps addressing the former might reverse the latter?

The author’s view
Stephanie Venn-Watson, co-author on the study, is also cofounder and CEO of fatty15, a C15:0 dietary supplement.

We reached out to Venn-Watson to get her take on the research.

Fatty acid C15:0 throws its hat into the longevity therapeutics ring