Veterinary epidemiologist Stephanie Venn-Watson had been studying how the US Navy dolphins survived well into their 40s and 50s when she came across what she calls "the longevity nutrient". Dolphins typically live to about 20 years, so after the doctor and team analysed thousands of samples, they found what the healthiest aging dolphins had in common.
"We thought it was going to be omega-3s, because all they eat are fish," Venn-Watson told CNBC Make It. "And instead, it was C15:0, a saturated fatty acid I had never heard of."
Their research revealed that C15:0 was a new essential fatty acid that was capable of improving health outcomes in mammals, much like omega-3s. This discovery, supported by independent research, marked the "first essential fatty acid to be found in more than 90 years," earning Venn-Watson a spot on CNBC’s 2025 Changemakers List.
Following this revelation, Venn-Watson meticulously plans her own diet around C15:0-rich foods. She prioritises grass-fed cheeses, explaining that those sourced from grass-fed animals contain some of the highest levels of the longevity nutrient.
She also shared that a key part of her daily routine is a cheese snack. "I’ll have a cheese snack almost every day," Venn-Watson told CNBC Make It, adding that she often pairs these grass-fed cheeses with high-fibre crackers, combining C15:0 intake with another crucial nutrient. "We’ve also learned fibre has a lot of importance," she said.
The researcher was also quick to add that she doesn't neglect other well-known beneficial fats. "My diet is high in fish. I probably have fish every day and dairy fat," she stated, ensuring a good intake of omega-3s as well.
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