I recently had the pleasure of listening to Dr. Stephanie Venn-Watson, one of the scientists behind the discovery of C15:0, and let me tell you—this is one of those “wait, how did we not know this before?” kind of moments. She also has an amazing TEDx talk about how studying dolphins led to a breakthrough in human longevity .

Most of the information in this post comes directly from Dr. Venn-Watson’s presentation, where she shared the latest research on C15:0 as an essential fatty acid, its health benefits, and why most modern diets are lacking it.

And here’s where it gets exciting—this research has led to the development of Fatty-15, the first pure, science-backed supplement that restores C15:0 levels and supports long-term health and aging.

If you’re into nutrition, aging well, or just not falling apart as quickly as modern life seems to want us to, you’ll want to pay attention—because C15:0 might just be the missing nutrient your body needs. We’ve just started taking it ourselves and can’t wait to report back on what we notice!

Essential Fatty Acids: What’s the Big Deal?

Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are exactly what they sound like—fats that your body needs to function but can’t make enough of on its own. That means you have to get them through food or supplements🔗.

For decades, we’ve only recognized two:

• Omega-3 (ALA) – Found in things like flaxseeds, walnuts, and fatty fish.

• Omega-6 (LA) – Found in nuts, seeds, vegetable oils, and eggs 

But as it turns out, there’s been an essential fatty acid hiding in plain sight all along—C15:0. And guess what? Most of us aren’t getting enough of it.

How We Accidentally Cut an Essential Nutrient From Our Diets

Back in the 1970s, the government told everyone to ditch full-fat dairy and butter in favor of low-fat everything. The goal was to reduce heart disease (which, fair enough, was a big issue at the time)🔗.

The problem? In the process, we also eliminated C15:0, an odd-chain saturated fat that turns out to be really important for keeping our cells strong and resilient.

Fast-forward a few decades, and we now have more metabolic disorders than ever—higher rates of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and fatty liver disease (🔗,🔗, 🔗).

Dr. Venn-Watson and her team realized this while studying Navy dolphins. These dolphins live twice as long as wild dolphins, and some aged much healthier than others. The key difference? More C15:0 in their diet.

When they supplemented less healthy dolphins with C15:0, their cholesterol improved, inflammation went down, and their liver health got better. Scientists then tested it in humans and—surprise, surprise—it worked the same way.

Why C15:0 Matters for Longevity

So, what does C15:0 actually do for us? In short, it helps our cells stay strong, which helps us stay strong.

• Protects cell membranes from breaking down with age.

• Improves mitochondrial function (hello, energy boost).

• Reduces inflammation and supports metabolic health.

• Lowers cholesterol and supports heart health.

• Helps balance mood, sleep, and immunity.

Basically, it’s one of those nutrients that works behind the scenes to keep everything running smoothly. And when you don’t have enough? Your cells become fragile, which can lead to all sorts of aging-related issues.

Enter Fatty-15: The First Pure C15:0 Supplement

Fatty-15 is a pure, vegan-friendly form of C15:0, designed to restore your levels without the downsides of dairy. It’s a simple, once-a-day supplement that:

• Strengthens cell membranes for better aging.

• Supports heart, liver, gut, and immune health.

• Improves cholesterol levels (lowers LDL, raises HDL).

• Helps with sleep, energy, and mood.

The best part? People start noticing benefits in just 12 weeks.

Unlike whole-fat dairy (which only contains tiny amounts of C15:0), Fatty-15 gives you a precise, effective dose—without the extra sugars, hormones, or inflammatory fats.

The Takeaway: Should You Be Taking Fatty-15?

If you’re interested in aging well, protecting your health, and keeping your body running smoothly, the answer is probably, YES!* C15:0 is an essential fatty acid that most of us aren’t getting enough of, thanks to outdated dietary recommendations. And while whole dairy used to provide it, modern diets have left us lacking. Fatty-15 is the easiest way to restore this missing nutrient and give your body what it actually needs to thrive.

Want to try it? Stop by Haskill Creek and pick up a bottle—we’re happy to chat more about how it works.

And if you’re a science nerd like us, keep an eye out for Dr. Venn-Watson’s book, The Longevity Nutrient at the end of March. It’s going to change the way we think about fats, aging, and longevity. 

*Disclaimer: I am not a doctor, and this blog post is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, including Fatty-15, to ensure it’s right for you.