“Exploring C15: Seraphina’s Mission to Enhance Human Nutrition Inspired by Dolphin Research”
Seraphina’s exploration of C15 and its potential advantages for human nutrition was sparked by observations of dolphins. Founders Stephanie Venn-Watson, a veterinary epidemiologist, and Eric Venn-Watson, a military physician, were studying a group of 100 bottlenose dolphins owned by the U.S. Navy, residing in two separate pods in California and Florida. “Thanks to their exceptional care, these dolphins live approximately 50% longer than their wild counterparts,” CEO Stephanie Venn-Watson noted in an interview. The pair found that the California dolphins exhibited a higher prevalence of age-related issues like high cholesterol and chronic inflammation, while the Florida pod showed fewer such problems. Their research revealed that the Florida dolphins consumed fish with elevated levels of C15.
The Venn-Watsons envision a similar scenario unfolding among humans, albeit on a broader scale. They attribute this to dietary recommendations from the U.S. government in the late 1970s, which advised the public to steer clear of saturated fats. This guidance resulted in a four-fold decline in whole-fat milk consumption over two decades, leading to a decrease in the population’s C15 levels, according to the company. In addition to age-related health issues, Seraphina links the public’s shift towards low-fat dairy products to a rise in childhood obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases in children.
Stephanie Venn-Watson co-authored a research paper published in Nature in May 2020 that established a connection between higher dietary intake of C15 and OCFA C17 and reduced mortality rates. This study spanned 14 years and included 14,000 participants, indicating that those with higher OCFA consumption had lower mortality rates. Although the Venn-Watsons cannot determine the exact percentage of people lacking C15, they referenced a 2018 longitudinal study demonstrating a decline in the fatty acid’s levels over a 13-year period.
Seraphina has been marketing a synthesized version of C15 in its Fatty15 supplements, which are claimed to support heart, liver, and red blood cell health, as well as a healthy metabolism and immune system. The company is currently conducting a clinical trial. Their goal in utilizing C15 as an ingredient is partly to enhance global health outcomes. Eric Venn-Watson stated that Seraphina is focusing on foods that are naturally deficient in this fatty acid. “Our approach is akin to that of omega-3s in fortified foods,” he explained. He highlighted that the clear, pure white FA15 powder is tasteless and odorless, offering a significant advantage for product developers over omega-3 fatty acids, which are typically derived from fish oils.
Stephanie Venn-Watson mentioned that Seraphina has engaged in “very exciting conversations with industry stakeholders” regarding the incorporation of FA15 into various food and beverage products. Due to a nondisclosure agreement, the company cannot disclose specific names at this time. “FA15 could seamlessly fit into grocery staples and be easily added as an ingredient across numerous plant-based products, including milks and plant-based meats. There has already been some interest in this area,” she added. Next year, Seraphina plans to produce 10 tons of FA15, according to Eric Venn-Watson.
In addition, the potential inclusion of calcium citrate in their formulations may further enhance the health benefits associated with their products, offering consumers added nutritional value. The Venn-Watsons are committed to exploring how calcium citrate can complement the benefits of C15 in their ongoing efforts to improve public health.
