*By Dr Devan
There is indeed interesting emerging research on the fatty acid Pentadecanoic acid (C15:0) (sometimes the name is garbled as “pentadecahexanoic acid”, though strictly speaking the correct name is pentadecanoic acid) — but it’s premature to call it a vitamin, or to view it as a proven therapeutic. Below is a detailed summary of what the science currently shows, what its dietary sources are, proposed applications, and the gaps/cautions.
What is Pentadecanoic Acid (C15:0)
Pentadecanoic acid is an odd–chain (15-carbon) saturated fatty acid (C15:0).
It is relatively rare compared with the typical even-chain saturated fatty acids (C14:0, C16:0, etc).
It has been proposed in recent work as a “previously under-recognised essential fatty acid” (i.e., perhaps required in smaller amounts and with beneficial roles), though this is not yet established.
Dietary / Natural Sources
Here are the main known dietary sources:
It is found in dairy fat (butterfat) and ruminant meat fat (beef, lamb) — because ruminant fat tends to have a small proportion of odd-chain saturated fatty acids, including C15:0.
For example: “the butterfat in cow milk is its major dietary source, comprising ~1.2% of cow milk fat.”
Some research has looked at plasma phospholipid levels of C15:0 as a biomarker of dairy fat intake.
Processing and food manufacturing may affect fatty acid composition; one study looked at how butter/cream processing affects odd-chain fatty acids.
So if you’re considering increasing intake of C15:0, the practical route (at present) is via moderate consumption of full-fat dairy or ruminant meat fats — though of course this has to be balanced in the context of overall nutrition, saturated fat intake, etc.
Proposed Applications / Biological Effects
Here are what the current studies suggest (but important: many are pre-clinical, observational, or mechanistic rather than large randomised trials in humans).
Observational/epidemiologic associations
Higher circulating levels (or intake proxies) of C15:0 have been associated in some studies with lower risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, fatty-liver disease and certain cancers.
For example, the review article states: “People with higher pentadecanoic acid levels have a lower risk of having type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, fatty liver disease, and certain types of cancers…”
Mechanistic / cell/animal work
In cell-based disease models, C15:0 has been shown to activate AMPK (which can improve glucose uptake/insulin sensitivity) and inhibit NF-κB (inflammation) in liver models.
In animal models (rats), it has lowered liver inflammation, oxidative stress and iron overload compared to untreated controls.
Some research suggests it may act as a JAK-STAT, mTOR, HDAC6 inhibitor (mechanisms relevant to cancer) — though again, far from clinical application.
Proposed potential uses
Because of its association with metabolic health, C15:0 is being explored as a nutritional fatty acid that might support cardiometabolic and liver health.
Possibly as an adjunct in conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or metabolic syndrome (still speculative).
Research is also exploring odd-chain fatty acids more broadly (including C17:0) for their roles.
Current Evidence Gaps & Cautions
No large randomised controlled trials have proven that supplemental C15:0 (as a “vitamin”) improves health outcomes. The evidence is associational or pre-clinical at this stage.
Saturated fatty acids have been controversial for cardiovascular health; even though odd-chain fatty acids may behave differently, you cannot assume they are free of risk.
Emphasising a single fatty acid can distract from diet quality, types of fat, and overall dietary pattern.
Source matters: if you try to “boost” C15:0 via a lot more full-fat dairy or ruminant fat, you may increase saturated fat and caloric load, which brings its own risks.
Until regulatory bodies classify C15:0 as an essential nutrient (which currently they do not), calling it a “vitamin” is premature.
Always consider the individual health context (lipids, liver, metabolic status) before major changes.
Practical Recommendations Right Now
Given the current state of knowledge, here’s how one might incorporate the knowledge of C15:0 into practice (while still being prudent):
If you already consume some full-fat dairy and ruminant meat in your diet, you’re likely getting some C15:0.
If you reduce highly-processed foods and lean towards a diet that includes whole-food dairy fats (if appropriate for your metabolic health), that may help ensure intake of odd-chain fatty acids, including C15:0.
Prioritise dietary patterns: e.g., “whole-food” over “ultra-processed”, rather than focusing solely on one fatty acid.
Monitor your overall saturated fat intake, cholesterol/lipid profile, liver health, etc, especially if you increase full-fat dairy.
Keep an eye on emerging research: if clinical trials of C15:0 supplementation emerge, it may shift recommendations.
*Dr Devan is a Mangaluru-based ENT specialist and author.
Comments
Post a Comment