Fatty15: The New Longevity Nutrient? | Bill Harris | The Proof

This episode explores the purported health benefits of pentadecanoic acid (C15), a saturated fat marketed as a supplement. Against the backdrop of growing consumer interest fueled by a company called Fatty15 and its bold claims, the interview delves into the scientific evidence supporting these assertions. More significantly, the discussion challenges the company's comparison of C15 to omega-3 fatty acids, highlighting the lack of robust human studies demonstrating C15's essentiality or significant impact on health markers like cholesterol. For instance, a cited study showed only half of participants experienced increased blood C15 levels, with minimal changes in other biomarkers. In contrast to the company's claims, the expert guest emphasizes the need for larger, more rigorous trials to validate the purported benefits before positioning C15 as a superior alternative to well-established nutrients. The discussion also touches upon the patenting of C15, raising questions about accessibility and the ethical implications of patenting naturally occurring substances. Ultimately, this episode underscores the importance of critical evaluation of marketing claims and the need for robust scientific evidence before adopting new supplements, particularly in the context of established treatments for conditions like cardiovascular disease.