Pentadecanoic acid (C15:0) and cardiovascular disease: A narrative review

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of mortality worldwide despite major advances in prevention and treatment. The odd-chain saturated fatty acid pentadecanoic acid (C15:0), primarily obtained from dairy fat, has been associated with cardiometabolic benefits. To summarize recent advances in understanding the role of pentadecanoic acid (C15:0) in CVD biology and risk, and to identify knowledge gaps and future research priorities. A narrative review was conducted, drawing on 115 PubMed-indexed studies on odd-chain fatty acids (OCFAs) and cardiovascular outcomes, as well as illustrative mechanistic studies of C15:0. This narrative review synthesized evidence from approximately 115 PubMed-indexed studies on OCFAs and cardiovascular outcomes, along with mechanistic studies of C15:0, identified through targeted searches in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science from January 2000 through May 2025.