EP436: The Amazing C15 Story with Danielle Cole

Welcome to my podcast. I am Doctor Warrick Bishop, and I want to help you to live as well as possible for as long as possible. I’m a practising cardiologist, best-selling author, keynote speaker, and the creator of The Healthy Heart Network. I have over 20 years as a specialist cardiologist and a private practice of over 10,000 patients. Introduction Dr. Warrick Bishop, an Australian cardiologist, author, and CEO of the Healthy Heart Network, hosts this episode focused on a newly recognized essential fatty acid called C15 (pentadecanoic acid). His guest is Danielle Cole, Head of Sales for Fatty 15, a supplement company built around this nutrient. Dr. Bishop shares that he and his wife have personally been taking C15 for nearly a year, making this his first public discussion of the supplement. Key Takeaways: C15 (pentadecanoic acid) is only the third essential fatty acid ever discovered, joining omega-3s and omega-6s as nutrients the body cannot produce on its own. Approximately one in three people globally are critically deficient in C15, largely due to changes in modern farming practices and reduced consumption of full-fat dairy. C15 was discovered through a U.S. Navy dolphin health program, where veterinary epidemiologist Dr. Stephanie Venn-Watson identified C15 deficiency as the cause of human-like diseases in aging dolphins. The nutrient's primary role is to strengthen cell walls and improve cell signaling, complementing omega-3s which focus on cellular flexibility. C15 activates AMPK and inhibits mTOR pathways — the same mechanisms targeted by metformin and berberine — supporting insulin sensitivity and metabolic health. A C15 deficiency can contribute to a condition called "cellular fragility syndrome," which is linked to elevated cholesterol, insulin resistance, and accelerated cellular aging. People who are dairy-free face the highest risk of critical C15 deficiency, as full-fat, grass-fed dairy is the primary dietary source. C15 is recommended for all ages, including infants, since babies initially receive this nutrient through breast milk and may start life deficient if the mother is dairy-free or deficient. Testing for C15 levels is available through providers like Genova, with more accessible at-home testing options reportedly in development. No known contraindications or interactions with medications or other supplements have been identified with C15 supplementation.