What is C15:0 fatty acid (found in fatty15), and does it have health benefits?

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How to Take C15:0 Fatty Acid

Written by Meredith Worthington, Ph.D. — Medically reviewed and edited by Tod Cooperman, M.D.

Updated January 11, 2024 ⓘ

Answer:

C15:0 fatty acid, also called pentadecanoic acid and found in the supplement fatty15, is a saturated fatty acid naturally present in dairy fat, ruminant meats (e.g., beef, bison, and lamb), and some fish and plants (Venn-Watson, PLoS One 2022). C15:0 fatty acid in fatty15 (which suggests taking one 100-mg capsule daily) is promoted for "healthier hair & skin, balanced metabolism, and deeper sleep," as well as "slowing the aging process," but there are no clinical studies to support these uses.

Sign in as a member to learn if clinical research supports the use of C15:0 fatty acid supplementation for any other conditions, including cancer, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, heart failure, risk of death, and fatty liver disease, learn how this supplement should be taken, and find out if this ingredient is worth the cost. Also, learn if you can safely get clinically relevant doses of C15:0 fatty acids from foods and if C15:0 is actually an essential fatty acid.

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