The Longevity Nutrient: The Unexpected Fat That Holds the Key to Healthy Aging

In The Longevity Nutrient, veterinary epidemiologist Dr Stephanie Venn-Watson narrates the remarkable story behind the identification of C15:0, an odd-chain saturated fatty acid now proposed as a newly recognised essential nutrient. Drawing on advanced metabolomics research originally conducted to understand why some Navy dolphins age more healthily than others, Venn-Watson reveals how C15:0 supports cellular integrity and metabolic function. The book guides readers through the scientific journey of this discovery, the first essential fatty acid identified in nearly a century, and explains how insufficient C15:0 may contribute to chronic, age-associated conditions such as metabolic dysfunction, cardiovascular disease and fatty liver. Venn-Watson presents accessible science and practical insights on why and how this nutrient could be integral to improving healthspan and longevity. Alongside the narrative, The Longevity Nutrient describes foundational research, including animal studies and emerging human data, positioning C15:0 as a potentially important component of nutritional strategies for metabolic resilience and long-term wellbeing.