Effect of Pentadecanoic Acid Supplementation on Red Blood Cell Health and Biological Aging in Healthy Older Adults

This Phase II randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study will evaluate the effects of pentadecanoic acid (C15:0) supplementation on red blood cell (RBC) health and predicted biological age in healthy adults aged 55 years and older. A total of 93 participants will be randomized to receive 200 mg of C15:0, 300 mg of C15:0, or placebo daily for approximately 12 weeks. The primary objective is to assess the effect of C15:0 on red blood cell distribution width (RDW-CV), a marker of RBC health, compared with placebo. Secondary outcomes include measures of inflammation, hematologic and iron metabolism markers, circulating C15:0 levels, biological age-related biomarkers, sleep quality, fatigue, energy, and health-related quality of life. Safety and tolerability will also be evaluated throughout the study.