This doctor discovered ‘the longevity nutrient’: The 1 food she always eats to be sure she gets enough of it

Stephanie Venn-Watson had been studying longevity long before she even realized it, she mentioned. In 2001, the U.S. Navy recruited her to care for aging dolphins. Initially planning to focus on infectious diseases, Venn-Watson quickly shifted her research to chronic diseases and aging-related conditions, a field she has been involved in for over two decades. While wild dolphins typically live for about 20 years, Navy dolphins were living well into their 40s and 50s, with some developing health issues like chronic inflammation and high cholesterol, while others remained healthy in old age.

By examining samples gathered over 50 years, Venn-Watson and her team identified a new essential fatty acid, C15:0, which has similar health benefits to omega-3 fatty acids. This discovery, the first of its kind in more than ninety years, led to Venn-Watson’s recognition on CNBC’s 2025 Changemakers List. With her husband, a Navy physician, she founded Seraphina Therapeutics and developed a C15:0 supplement for humans, also authoring a book titled “The Longevity Nutrient.”

To incorporate more C15:0 into her diet, Venn-Watson consumes foods rich in the fatty acid, with grass-fed cheeses being a primary source. She emphasizes the importance of fiber by pairing cheeses with high-fiber crackers. While she continues to prioritize omega-3 fatty acids in her diet, Venn-Watson supplements with a pure C15:0 supplement.