Episode 535: Dr. Stephanie Venn-Watson: The Longevity Nutrient That Could Slow Aging and Protect Your Cells

Longevity science is shifting fast. New discoveries are revealing that aging may be influenced not just by genetics or lifestyle, but by specific nutrients that regulate cellular health. In this episode of Habits & Hustle, I sit down with Dr. Stephanie Venn-Watson to explore the discovery of C15, a fatty acid that emerged from decades of research studying Navy dolphins. Her work suggests that declining C15 levels may weaken cell membranes, accelerate aging, and increase vulnerability to metabolic disease. We break down how this molecule works, why not all saturated fats are the same, and how modern dietary shifts away from full-fat dairy may be contributing to widespread nutrient deficiencies. We also discuss how C15 interacts with longevity pathways like AMPK and mTOR, the same pathways targeted by drugs like metformin and rapamycin, and why researchers believe C15 may function as a geroprotector — a compound capable of slowing biological aging. Dr. Stephanie Venn-Watson is a veterinary epidemiologist, CEO of Seraphina Therapeutics, and author of The Longevity Nutrient. Her work bridges marine biology, epidemiology, and human longevity science to uncover how nutrition influences cellular aging.