Share on PinterestWhat is Fatty15?
Fatty15 is a supplement brand centered around pentadecanoic acid (C15:0), an odd-chain saturated fatty acid
The brand was founded in 2021 by Dr. Stephanie Venn-Watson, a veterinary epidemiologist, and Eric Venn-Watson, a United States (U.S.) Navy veteran. They developed Fatty15 supplements following research into C15:0 and its potential role in healthy aging
Early studies are promising and suggest that C15:0 may offer benefits to the brain
, cardiometabolic health, the immune system, and liver health
However, it is important to note that much of this research has been conducted in animals or human cells rather than humans. In addition, several studies have been authored or co-authored by Venn-Watson, who is the co-founder of Fatty15. While this does not mean the findings are unreliable, it is worth considering when assessing the available evidence
Overall, more independent, long-term clinical research is needed to determine the effects of C15:0 supplementation in humans
About Fatty15 Supplements
Fatty15 currently offers three products: Original Capsules, Gummies for Adults, and Gummies for Kids
Customer reviews and reputation
Fatty15 displays customer reviews on its product pages. It’s Original Capsules currently has over 7,000 reviews and a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars on the company’s website
Positive user reviews of the Original Capsules report benefits such as improved sleep, focus, and mood. However, it does not appear possible to view less favorable reviews on the brand’s website
The company also includes video testimonials on their website, but acknowledges that some of the users featured were compensated for sharing their experiences
Quality and ingredient sources
Fatty15 is manufactured in the U.S. in accordance with the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs), which help ensure quality and safety
According to the company, its C15:0 ingredient is tested to confirm at least 98% purity, and finished products undergo third-party testing for quality and safety
Certificates of analysis (COA) for individual product batches do not appear to be publicly available on the brand’s website. As a result, consumers cannot independently review batch-specific laboratory results
The company says it uses recyclable and reusable packaging, including a refillable glass bottle for its capsule system and recyclable refill pouches
How much does Fatty15 cost?
Fatty15’s prices vary by product and purchase option
The Original Capsules currently cost $49.95 for a 30-day Trial Kit, $149.95 for a one-time 90-day Starter Kit, or $119.95 for the recurring 90-day subscription refill. The Annual Supply Kit costs $459.95 for 360 capsules
The Adult Gummies cost $79.95 for a one-time 30-day supply or $63.96 with a monthly subscription. Meanwhile, the Kids Gummies cost $64.95 for a one-time 30-day supply or $51.96 with a monthly subscription
Currently, the brand offers a 20% discount on subscriptions, plus free shipping on all U.S. orders
An individual can also buy Fatty15 supplements using an HSA or FSA with TrueMed
Fatty15 offers a referral program. Customers who refer someone who starts a subscription receive a $10 discount on their next 90-day refill, while the person they refer receives 20% off their first subscription
Fatty15 vs. competitors
Unlike conventional supplement brands, Fatty15 focuses specifically on C15:0. There are relatively few direct competitors for C15:0, so the brands below are broader comparisons based on product range and price
| Brand | Price range | Products | Certifications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fatty15 | $49.95 to$149.95 | • C15:0 capsules and gummies• kids gummies | • cGMP certified• third-party tested for purity and potency |
| Thorne | $14 to $161 | • vitamins• minerals• fish oil• herbal supplements• multivitamins• sports supplements• pre- and probiotics• kids supplements | • cGMP certified• certified by NSF• third-party tested for purity and potency |
| Pure Encapsulations | $15 to $213 | • vitamins• minerals• fish oil• herbal supplements• multivitamins• sports supplements• pre- and probiotics• kids supplements | • cGMP certified• certified by NSF• third-party tested for purity and potency |
| Ritual | $22 to $99 | • vitamins• multivitamins• fish oil• pre- and post-natals• fertility and postpartum support | • cGMP certified• certified by NSF• USP verified• non-GMO verified• third-party tested for purity and potency |
Pros and cons
Below, we examine some of the pros and cons of Fatty15 supplements
What to look for in a supplement
A person should consider the following when looking to purchase a supplement:
- Evidence: People should look for supplements supported by well-designed human studies. Laboratory and animal studies can provide useful information about how an ingredient might work, but they cannot establish that a supplement provides the same benefits in humans.
- Price:Some supplements can be expensive. People should consider their budget and note any subscribe-and-save options that allow them to save money.
- Testing:The FDA does not test or approve dietary supplements, so a person should ensure the supplement they purchase undergoes thorough third-party testing by an ISO or Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments certified lab.
- Ingredients:A person should check the ingredients list and ensure there are no allergens or ingredients that may interact with their medication. Buyers may also wish to check whether the product contains sugars, artificial colors, or flavorings.
- Clear labeling:According to the FDA
, brands selling dietary supplements must clearly display the serving size, number of servings per container, all dietary ingredients, and the amount per serving of each ingredient on the label. Buyers should avoid supplements that do not state this essential information. - Dose: People should check how much of an active ingredient a product provides per serving and compare this with the doses studied in clinical trials. A higher dose is not necessarily more effective or safer.
- Certificates of analysis: Where available, consumers may wish to choose companies that make batch-specific COA available. These documents can provide information about the identity, purity, and testing of a particular product batch.
Frequently asked questions
Fatty15 provides C15:0, and while research into this fatty acid is promising, it is still developing
Some studies have linked higher C15:0 levels with favorable health outcomes, but relatively few randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have examined C15:0 supplementation in humans
Customer reviews on the Fatty15 website report benefits from using the products, but these experiences do not establish that the supplements are effective. Further human research is needed to determine whether C15:0 supplementation provides meaningful health benefits
Yes, Fatty15 is a legitimate brand, founded in 2021. They sell supplements containing C15:0 and provide information about its ingredient sourcing, manufacturing, and testing
However, whether C15:0 supplementation provides meaningful health benefits in humans remains an area of ongoing research. More large-scale, human clinical trials need to take place
Whether Fatty15 is worth the cost depends on a person’s reasons for taking it. The products provide a standardized amount of C15:0 and are available in capsule or gummy form, but they are relatively expensive compared with many conventional supplements
Because research on C15:0 supplementation remains limited, there is currently not enough evidence to conclude that Fatty15 provides the broad healthy-aging benefits claimed by the company
Fatty15 produces three supplements that contain the ingredient pentadecanoic acid (C15:0), an odd-chain saturated fatty acid
The company says its C15:0 ingredient is produced in FDA-registered, cGMP-certified facilities and tested for purity
Fatty15 supplements contain C15:0. Early research suggests C15:0 may affect cholesterol levels, including LDL cholesterol
However, most of the evidence comes from laboratory and animal studies, and larger clinical trials are needed to confirm whether these effects occur in humans
Takeaway
Fatty15 is a supplement brand centered around C15:0, an odd-chain saturated fatty acid that has attracted increasing scientific interest
Early research suggests that C15:0 may offer several health benefits, although more research is needed to understand its long-term effects and potential role in healthy aging in humans
Fatty15 provides a convenient way to obtain a standardized amount of C15:0, either in capsule or gummy form, and says its products undergo third-party testing
Overall, Fatty15 may appeal to people interested in emerging research around C15:0 and healthy aging. However, consumers should view its broader healthy-aging claims as emerging rather than established
