Nick NorwitzMD PhD, Oxford-Harvard | Metabolic Health Educator | “Stay Curious”

12,13-diHOME: The Hormone That Could Keep Your Heart Youthful

12 Oct 2025 · 1 min

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In this short video, the presenter introduces 12,13-dihydroxy-9Z-octodecanoic acid (12,13‑DHOMI), a lipid hormone produced by brown adipose tissue. The hormone’s circulating levels decline with age in humans and other animals, and it is known to have cardioprotective effects, meaning it helps keep the heart healthy. The speaker explains that as we get older, the reduced presence of 12,13‑DHOMI may leave the heart more vulnerable to damage. However, the video highlights a non‑pharmacological way to raise 12,13‑DHOMI: cold exposure, which has been shown in humans to increase the hormone’s level by about 39%. The presenter suggests that regular cold exposure could potentially “anti‑age” the heart, and invites viewers to check the video notes for more detailed information.

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What if a special fat hormone could slow or even reverse heart aging? And what if you could boost levels of this special hormone without any pokes or pills? The hormone is called— brace yourself for this one— you ready? 12,13-dihydroxy-9Z octodecanoic acid. But we're just gonna call it 12,13-DHOMI for short. Now, this 12,13-DHOMI hormone is made by brown fat, it declines with age in humans and other animals, and is well known to have positive effects on the heart. Basically, this means with age, the cardioprotective effects of this hormone dwindle, leaving your heart potentially weaker, more fragile, and sicker. But there are ways to increase 12,13-DHOMI that don't require medications or a time machine. For example, in humans, cold exposure has been shown to increase levels of 12,13-DHOMI by 39%. So could cold anti-age your heart? Well, it's a cool idea. And if you want more details, check out the notes.