EP 1255
1264. Scientists Just Discovered the Essential Nutrient That DOUBLES Dolphin Lifespan—But Should YOU Take It? | Stephanie Venn-Watson
In this episode of The Human Upgrade, Dave Asprey sits down with veterinary epidemiologist Stephanie Venn-Watson to uncover a newly discovered essential fatty acid that could be the key to longevity. Originally found in Navy dolphins that were outliving their wild counterparts by decades, C15 is now proving to enhance cellular resilience, metabolic health, and even lifespan. But here’s the catch—modern nutrition guidelines have nearly eliminated it from our diets. Dave and Stephanie dive into the groundbreaking science behind this lost nutrient, why its removal may be accelerating aging, and whether supplementing it could be the next big biohack.
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In this Episode of The Human Upgrade™...
For nearly a century, scientists believed we had discovered ALL of the essential fatty acids the human body needs. But what if they were wrong?
Stephanie Venn-Watson, a veterinary epidemiologist and longevity researcher, joins Dave to reveal a groundbreaking discovery—a newly identified essential fatty acid, C15, that may hold the key to healthier aging and even longer lifespans. Originally uncovered in an unlikely place—U.S. Navy dolphins that were outliving their wild counterparts by decades—this forgotten fat is now shaking up the scientific community.
So why hasn’t anyone told you about it? Decades of misguided dietary advice stripped this crucial nutrient from our food system, leaving an entire generation unknowingly deficient. Pregnant women have been some of the MOST hurt from this cruel change to our modern diet. Now, cutting-edge research is proving that C15 plays a critical role in cellular stability, mitochondrial function, and even mental health.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- The first new essential fatty acid discovered in nearly 100 years—and why it matters
- How dolphins led to one of the BIGGEST breakthroughs in human nutrition
- Why the removal of C15 from our diets is accelerating aging
- The surprising connection between C15 and mental health
- How this “missing” fat could outperform some of the biggest longevity drugs today!
- What foods naturally contain C15—and should you supplement it?
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“If you have a true breakthrough, you’re breaking the ground upon which people comfortably stand. So you have to expect skepticism. The goal is then again, because the science kept holding. You just have to hang in there and get it across.”
Stephanie Venn-Watson
00:00 – Intro
Dave introduces the episode’s focus on C15, a newly identified essential fatty acid linked to longevity and metabolic health.
00:34 – Meet Dr. Stephanie Venn-Watson
Stephanie shares her background as a veterinary epidemiologist and the research that led to discovering C15.
00:46 – Discovering C15 in Navy Dolphins
How Navy dolphins outliving their wild counterparts led to the breakthrough identification of C15 deficiency in humans.
01:58 – Challenges and Skepticism
The scientific pushback and skepticism around calling C15 an essential fatty acid—and how research is proving its necessity.
04:21 – Scientific Validation and Research
Independent studies confirm C15’s role in reversing cellular aging, optimizing metabolism, and improving longevity.
06:59 – C15’s Impact on Human Health
The link between C15 deficiency and heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cognitive decline, and ferroptosis—and why most people aren’t getting enough.
27:43 – Big Data, AI, and Longevity Research
How big data and AI-driven longevity research helped uncover C15’s effects on cellular stability and aging.
36:08 – C15 as a Longevity Nutrient
Why C15 is being called the next major longevity breakthrough, outperforming some top longevity drugs in early studies.
42:14 – The Navy’s Role in Fatty 15
The U.S. Navy’s involvement in funding and supporting the research that led to Fatty 15.
43:03 – Epigenetic Aging and Lifespan
How C15 influences epigenetic markers, slows aging, and may contribute to lifespan extension.
44:51 – Nutritional Guidelines and C15 Deficiency
Decades of misguided dietary advice removed C15 from the modern diet—leading to widespread fatty acid deficiency.
50:41 – Mental Health and Endocannabinoids
New findings on C15’s role in mental health, including its ability to act as an endocannabinoid for mood and resilience.
51:33 – Dairy, Fats, and Nutrition History
The difference between grass-fed vs. grain-fed dairy, the misunderstood role of saturated fats, and omega-3 benefits.
56:38 – Fatty 15 in Skincare and Supplements
How C15’s properties could make it the next breakthrough ingredient in skincare and longevity supplements.
01:03:58 – Regulatory Changes in Nutrition
Why outdated nutritional guidelines still demonize certain fats—and how C15 research could change that.
01:11:26 – Gender Differences in Fatty Acids
How C15 metabolism and storage may differ between men and women, and what it means for supplementation.
Resources:
- Dave Asprey’s New Book – Heavily Meditated: https://daveasprey.com/heavily-meditated/
- Fatty15 Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/fatty15/
- Fatty15 Website:www.fatty15.com
- 2025 Biohacking Conference: https://biohackingconference.com/2025
- Danger Coffee: https://dangercoffee.com
- Dave Asprey’s Website: https://daveasprey.com
- Dave Asprey’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/daveasprey
- Upgrade Collective – Join The Human Upgrade Podcast Live: https://www.ourupgradecollective.com
- Own an Upgrade Labs: https://ownanupgradelabs.com
- Upgrade Labs: https://upgradelabs.com
- 40 Years of Zen – Neurofeedback Training for Advanced Cognitive Enhancement: https://40yearsofzen.com
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