Pentadecanoic acid, also called C15:0, is a long-chain saturated fatty acid with 15 carbon atoms.
- Chemical formula: C15H30O2
- Structure: A straight chain of 15 carbons with a terminal carboxylic acid group (–COOH).
- It is a minor fatty acid in most diets, but naturally present in dairy fat, butter, and some fish.
🔬 Explanation (Biological Role & Research)
1. Nutritional Source
- Found in whole-fat dairy (milk, cheese, butter, yogurt), certain fish, and ruminant meat.
- Considered a biomarker of dairy fat intake (measured in blood plasma).
2. Health Associations
Recent research suggests C15:0 may function as a beneficial, essential fatty acid (like omega-3s).
- Cardiovascular health: Higher levels linked with lower risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.
- Anti-inflammatory: May reduce chronic inflammation.
- Cell stability: Helps strengthen cell membranes, making them more resistant to oxidative stress.
- Longevity: Animal studies suggest potential roles in healthy aging.
3. Metabolism
- Once ingested, pentadecanoic acid can be incorporated into cell membranes and influence lipid metabolism.
- Unlike even-chain saturated fats (like C16:0 palmitic acid), which are often associated with negative health outcomes, odd-chain saturated fats (C15:0, C17:0) are linked to protective effects.
📋 Clinical & Research Use
- Biomarker: Blood levels of C15:0 and C17:0 are measured to estimate dairy fat consumption.
- Potential supplement: Some companies are exploring C15:0 supplements as pro-longevity or metabolic health aids.
⚠️ Safety & Considerations
- C15:0 from natural foods is considered safe.
- Evidence is still emerging — more human clinical trials are needed.
- It should not be confused with unhealthy saturated fats; its effects appear to differ significantly.
👉 In short:
Pentadecanoic acid (C15:0) is an odd-chain saturated fatty acid found mainly in dairy fat and some fish. Unlike many saturated fats, it’s being studied as a potentially essential nutrient linked to better metabolic, cardiovascular, and anti-inflammatory health.
here’s a food list of natural sources rich in Pentadecanoic acid (C15:0):
🥛 Dairy Products (Primary Source)
C15:0 is strongly linked to dairy fat. The highest concentrations are found in:
- Whole milk
- Butter
- Cheese (especially aged cheeses)
- Cream
- Full-fat yogurt
👉 Skim or low-fat dairy has very little C15:0 since it’s in the fat portion.
🐟 Fish & Seafood
Certain cold-water fish contain notable amounts of odd-chain fatty acids (C15:0 & C17:0):
- Salmon
- Mackerel
- Herring
- Sardines
- Cod liver oil (trace amounts)
🥩 Ruminant Meats
Because cows, sheep, and goats have specialized gut bacteria that produce odd-chain fatty acids, their meat contains C15:0:
- Beef (grass-fed tends to have more)
- Lamb
- Goat meat
🌱 Plant Sources?
C15:0 is rare in plants. A few marine algae and some trace amounts in certain seeds may contain it, but levels are very low compared to dairy and ruminant fat.
📊 Quick Summary – Best Sources
- Dairy fat (butter, cheese, whole milk, cream)
- Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, herring, sardines)
- Ruminant meat (beef, lamb, goat)
👉 In short: If you want to increase C15:0 intake naturally, the most reliable sources are full-fat dairy and fatty fish, with some contribution from ruminant meats.