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I confess: I was so captivated by Fatty15’s initial mission to enhance dolphin wildlife I (almost) forgot I was reviewing a fatty acid supplement. Before I knew it, I spiraled down a rabbit hole filled with TED Talks and interviews with Fatty15’s co-founder and (actually) forgot about the supplement itself.
Fortunately, this exploration led me to a richer understanding of Fatty15, an “award-winning” supplement claiming to support cellular health, overall wellness, and healthy aging, in some ways similar to the best fish oil supplements.
If your curiosity is piqued like mine was (and still is), join me, a registered dietitian, in this Fatty15 Review. I’ll highlight the unique nuances of Fatty15 and share Kate Meier’s, GGR senior director of content, firsthand experiences with the product. Let’s dive in and see if Fatty15 is worth adding to your supplement stack.
Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider. GGR also recommends choosing a product that has been third-party tested for quality.
Fitness and Nutrition Experts Testing Essential Metrics
GGR’s expert testing team—comprised of seasoned personal trainers, nutritionists, dietitians, CrossFit trainers, and weightlifting coaches—is dedicated to delivering thorough reviews. We test products according to our essential GGR supplement testing methodology, using a scale of 1 to 5 to rate each product on a variety of factors, including:
- Price per serving
- Formulation
- Side effects
- Third-party testing
- Customer reviews
We share insights to arm you with the necessary information for making informed decisions, including the value of Fatty15.
Fatty15
Fatty15
Product Highlights
- C15:0 saturated essential fatty acid supplement
- Patented form is called FA15 powder
- 100 mg in one capsule
- Can potentially lower the risk of inflammation and chronic diseases over time
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Research-backed dose of C15:0
- Easy-to-swallow pill
- Can potentially lower the risk of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes and heart disease
Cons
- Expensive
- Research on long-term effects not yet available
Bottom Line
Fatty15 is a one-of-a-kind fatty acid supplement that has promise to improve overall health. More clinical trials need to be done to understand its long-term effects.
A Quick Look at Fatty15 Fatty Acid Supplement
About 20 years ago, the U.S. Navy invited Dr. Stephanie Venn-Watson, a veterinary epidemiologist, to study and enhance the health and longevity of its dolphins. Groundbreaking research revealed dolphins enjoying longer, healthier lives had higher levels of C15:0, the first essential fatty acid discovered in 90 years.
Sparked by our physiological parallels with dolphins, Stephanie and her team began unfolding the remarkable benefits of C15:0 on human health. This journey led Stephanie and her husband, Dr. Eric Venn-Watson, a military physician, to create Fatty15, an innovative C15:0 fatty acid supplement designed to promote cellular health, well-being, and longevity.
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Fatty15 is patented and developed by Seraphina Therapeutics, which holds exclusive and global licensing rights from the U.S. Navy. The Fatty15 team also possesses exclusive patents covering various health indications, including using C15:0 to support liver, heart, and red blood cell health, among others.
Although Fatty15 is undoubtedly intriguing, there are aspects to consider before purchasing.
Before You Buy
- Subscription model: Fatty15 primarily operates on a subscription basis, offering the flexibility of a single 90-day purchase with the option to cancel anytime. While this model suits many, it may not appeal to everyone.
- Cost considerations: Fatty15 is sold exclusively on its website, eliminating price comparisons. However, the company’s subscription plans, referral program, and military discount offer savings opportunities.
Is Fatty15 Worth It?
Costing between $1.26 to $1.67 per daily serving, Fatty15 may be a steep investment for some. However, considering that Fatty15 is the only product of its kind and that research into its benefits continues to emerge, its uniqueness could make it a worthwhile purchase for certain individuals.
Great for:
- Individuals looking to boost their intake of fatty acids
- Those on dairy-free or primarily plant-based diets, as C15:0 is mostly sourced from dairy products
- Consumers who prioritize high-quality formulations devoid of artificial ingredients, preservatives, and fillers
Not recommended for:
- Budget-conscious consumers
- Those who consume a lot of animal and whole-fat dairy products already
- People seeking supplements as a quick fix for poor lifestyle choices
Fatty15 Specs
| Price per serving | $1.26 to $1.67 (depending on chosen kit) |
| Serving size | 100 milligrams |
| Dose | 1 capsule per day |
| Notable ingredients | C15:0 (an essential fatty acid) |
| Third-party tested? | Yes |
Experience Using Fatty15
Kate Meier, GGR’s senior director of content, tested Fatty15 to assess its swallowability and to observe any immediate effects. Her initial feedback is positive, highlighting how easy the pill is to get down. However, Kate hasn’t tested long enough to notice any true or long-term results, beneficial or otherwise.
That said, I’ll give our initial impressions of Fatty15 based on our testing methodology. Let’s dive in.
Price Per Serving
The price per serving ranges from $1.26 to $1.67, depending on your chosen kit. The four options include:
- 30-Day Trial Kit: $49.95 or $1.67/serving (with 90-day subscription)
- 90-Day Starter Kit: $1.33/serving (with a subscription (save 20%))
- 90-Day Starter Kit: $1.67/serving (without subscription)
- Annual Supply Kit: $1.26/serving (without a subscription (save $140))
Since there are no other products available like Fatty15 on the market, it’s hard to make an apples-to-apples comparison. But, if we were to make an apples-to-oranges comparison with an omega-3 supplement, Fatty15 is quite a bit more expensive than the average omega-3, which is closer to $0.80 or $0.90 per serving. Because of this, and its price per serving in general, we’re scoring Fatty15 as a 1 out of 5 in this category.
Formulation
Fatty15 offers a simple yet intriguing formulation: 100 milligrams of pure, patented C15:0 (the research-backed dosage based on current studies available) packaged into a tiny vegetable cellulose capsule. We scored the formulation as a 5 out of 5, but let’s get acquainted, shall we?
What Is C15:0?
C15:01 (pentadecanoic acid) is an essential, odd-chain saturated fatty acid. As an essential nutrient, meaning our bodies cannot make it, C15:0 must be obtained through our diets, predominantly from whole-fat dairy products.
However, the trend towards low-saturated-fat diets significantly decreased whole milk consumption and, consequently, decreased C15:0 intake. And according to a 2023 review1, C15:0 deficiency is linked to higher risks of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers.
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Conversely, research2 correlates higher blood levels of C15:0 to lower risks of chronic inflammation and diseases over time. More specific benefits extend to enhancing mitochondrial function (remember those cellular powerhouses we learned about in grade school?), improving the stability of red blood cell membranes, slowing the spread of cancer, and regulating pain3, just to name a few.
Consuming 100 to 300 milligrams of C15:0 daily is likely to maintain adequate blood levels1, potentially unlocking health benefits at the cellular level. Recall that Fatty15 provides 100 milligrams of C15:0 per dose, but is it truly effective?
Are Fatty15 and C15:0 Effective?
This question is at the heart of ongoing research, including Stephanie at the forefront of scientific studies. While her involvement might introduce questions of bias, her commitment to uncovering C15:0 sets the groundwork for further discoveries.
Moreover, despite anecdotal reports of immediate benefits like a calmer mood, deeper sleep, and less snacking, the long-term effects of C15:0 supplementation are yet to be fully understood. However, Stephanie acknowledges the need for additional clinical trials (studies conducted in humans to help identify specific questions) on C15:0.
Taste and Swallowability
Kate rates Fatty15’s taste and swallowability a perfect 5 out of 5. “This is a smaller capsule that is super easy to swallow. I’m not a pill person, and I had no issues with this! Plus, there’s no taste at all.”
Again, to compare to a traditional fish oil supplement, which can sometimes cause the notorious “fish burps,” this is a welcome assessment.
Effects and Side Effects
Kate experienced no side effects from Fatty15. And, it’s worth noting that the Fatty15 website reports minimal side effects if you take the recommended dosage, with less than 0.1 percent of users reporting issues like constipation, diarrhea, and headaches. But, since we don’t know what any long-term effects—either positive or negative—are of this supplement, we’re rating it a 3 out of 5 in this category initially.
Third-Party Testing
FA15™, Fatty15’s sole ingredient, is produced under strict current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs) in FDA-approved facilities. The patented fatty acid undergoes rigorous third-party testing to ensure a minimum purity level of 99 percent, giving this category a 5-out-of-5 rating.
Fatty15 vs Kaged Omega-3
Kaged Omega-3
Kaged Muscle Omega-3
Product Highlights
- Clean formula with fully disclosed ingredients
- 2-step process to purify oil
- No fish burps
- Formulated with triglyceride fish oil
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 100% wild caught
- Fish burp-free
- Easier to digest and absorb than other formulas
- Sustainably caught and ethically stored
Cons
- Comparably expensive
- Out of stock often
Bottom Line
Kaged Muscle Omega-3 softgels are an innovative take on a classic supplement for those looking for something different.
Because Fatty15 is the only supplement of its kind, we’ll compare it to Kaged Omega-3. Although they share similarities, like providing essential fatty acids and undergoing third-party testing, Kaged Omega-3 stands out in many areas:
- Cost: Costs up to $0.67 less than Fatty15 per serving.
- Type of fat: Supplies eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), two unsaturated omega-3 fatty acids.
- Dose: Delivers 3,000 milligrams of fish oil, including 1,000 milligrams of EPA and 900 milligrams of DHA, a stark contrast to Fatty15’s 100 mg dose.
- Dietary considerations: Contains fish, a potential allergen, while Fatty15 is vegan-friendly.
- Fish burps: Claims to not cause them, although they’re a common complaint about fish oil supplements.
Now to address the elephant on the page: How does the saturated fat in Fatty15, often associated with high cholesterol and heart disease, compare to omega-3 supplements known for their heart-healthy benefits?
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The co-founders and team behind Fatty15 explored this question in a comparative study2, suggesting C15:0 may enhance the benefits associated with omega-3s, such as improving heart health, mood, and inflammation reduction. However, while the positive outcomes deserve recognition, these findings are derived from studies on human cells, and additional clinical trials and research are needed.
Rather than battling the two, it’s important to note that researchers generally agree that ensuring an adequate intake of essential fatty acids (like C15:0 and omega-3s) is crucial for optimal health.
| Fatty15 | Kaged Omega-3 | |
| Cost per serving | $1.26 to $1.67 (depending on chosen kit) | $1.00 |
| Dose instructions | 1 capsule daily with or without food | 2 softgel capsules daily with food |
| Dose of fat | 100 mg | 3,000 mg |
| Type of fat | C15:0 | Omega-3s |
| Form | Powder | Liquid |
| Source | Patented pure powder | 100% wild-caught anchovies |
| Third-party testing? | Yes | Yes |
Customer Experience
Fatty15 enhances customer satisfaction with a detailed FAQ section, multiple support channels (including email and phone), and a 30-day money-back guarantee for first-time orders. Customers must contact Customer Service via email to initiate returns, with refunds issued upon return approval.
Ordering Fatty15
Fatty15 is exclusively available through its website as a subscription-based service, although a single 90-day supply is available. Every order ships free via USPS First-Class Mail, with an option to upgrade to UPS for $5 on non-subscription orders.
Placing your first order doesn’t require an account, but you’ll need to create one afterward using your order email. This account allows you to manage your subscription, update shipping and billing details, and cancel your subscription if needed.
Your Fatty15 starter kit includes a supply of capsules, a reusable glass bottle, and an educational insert. Subsequent orders are shipped in a pouch designed to replenish your glass bottle, reflecting Fatty15’s commitment to sustainability.
Customer Reviews
Fatty15 has an average rating of 4.9 out of over 2,600 reviews currently on its website. Many of these positive reviews highlight more energy, better sleep quality, improved blood lipids, and feeling calmer and generally better. Lower-rated reviews often cite a lack of noticeable benefits to justify the cost.
Final Verdict of Our Fatty15 Review
Fatty15 is a patented, one-of-its-kind C15:0 supplement claiming to support long-term metabolic, liver, red blood cell, and immune health. If you’re still on the fence about Fatty15, and if it fits within your budget, here are some final thoughts to consider:
- C15:0 is an essential fatty acid that must be obtained from diet or supplements.
- A lack of C15:0 is linked to various chronic diseases, yet sufficient intake may lessen these risks and improve overall health and well-being.
- While Fatty15 can complement diet, exercise, and sleep routines, it’s important to recognize that no supplement can replace or outpace unhealthy lifestyle choices. Concentrating on these aspects of your health simultaneously, rather than relying exclusively on a supplement, is paramount.
- Fatty15 is a small, vegan-friendly capsule, making it easy to incorporate into various diets.
Fatty15 stands out for its intriguing origin story with dolphins, and the unfolding research on C15:0’s benefits is fascinating. As a dietitian and health enthusiast, I’m eager to see if and how future research on Fatty15 and the role of C15:0 shapes dietary recommendations—another rabbit hole I’ll happily spiral down!
Full Rating
Fatty15
Fatty15 is a one-of-a-kind fatty acid supplement that has promise to improve overall health. More clinical trials need to be done to understand its long-term effects.
Product Brand: Fatty15
Product Currency: $
Product Price: 49.95
Product In-Stock: InStock
4.2
Fatty15: FAQ
Is Fatty15 worth the hype?
Although the long-term health benefits and risks of Fatty15 are yet to be fully realized, emerging research shows promise for its potential to improve physical and mental health at the cellular level.
Is Fatty15 approved by the FDA?
Although the FDA does not approve dietary supplements by law, Fatty15 adheres to the FDA’s current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs). It also received the FDA’s GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status, deeming it safe for consumption by most people.
Does Fatty15 reduce inflammation?
Research1 shows Fatty15 offers anti-inflammatory properties, with higher intakes and concentrations of C15:0 linked to lower risks of chronic inflammation.2
Does Fatty15 help with hair growth?
No direct evidence suggests Fatty15 promotes hair growth, yet research1 indicates that higher levels of C15:0 are associated with a reduced risk of hair loss. Additionally, a 2018 study4 identifies saturated and unsaturated fatty acids as vital nutrients for maintaining healthy hair.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.
References
- Venn-Watson S, Schork NJ. Pentadecanoic Acid (C15:0), an Essential Fatty Acid, Shares Clinically Relevant Cell-Based Activities with Leading Longevity-Enhancing Compounds. Nutrients. 2023 Oct 30;15(21):4607. doi: 10.3390/nu15214607. PMID: 37960259; PMCID: PMC10649853.
- Venn-Watson SK, Butterworth CN. Broader and safer clinically-relevant activities of pentadecanoic acid compared to omega-3: Evaluation of an emerging essential fatty acid across twelve primary human cell-based disease systems. PLoS One. 2022;17(5):e0268778. Published 2022 May 26. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0268778
- Venn-Watson S, Reiner J, Jensen ED. Pentadecanoylcarnitine is a newly discovered endocannabinoid with pleiotropic activities relevant to supporting physical and mental health. Sci Rep. 2022 Aug 23;12(1):13717. doi: 10.1038/s41598-022-18266-w. PMID: 35999445; PMCID: PMC9399118.
- Marsh JM, Whitaker S, Felts T, et al. Role of Internal Lipids in Hair Health. J Cosmet Sci. 2018 Sep/Oct;69(5):347-356. PMID: 30767883.
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