Comparison
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA) vs Rapamycin
Side-by-side of Omega-3 (EPA/DHA) and Rapamycin. Every row below is pulled from the compound schema and will update as our data grows. For deeper reads, follow through to each compound page.
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA)
Omega 3 fish oil profile: EPA/DHA marine fatty acids, 2-4 g/day cuts triglycerides 20-30%, REDUCE-IT showed 25% cardiovascular risk reduction on icosapent eth.
Rapamycin
Rapamycin for longevity: sirolimus, an mTOR inhibitor with ITP mouse lifespan data. Off-label geroprotective dosing remains investigational.
Effects at a glance
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA)
- •Reduces fasting triglycerides 20-50% at 2-4 g/day in hypertriglyceridemic patients
- •REDUCE-IT showed 25% relative risk reduction in major CV events at 4 g/day icosapent ethyl
- •Modest antidepressant effect (SMD ~0.40) for EPA-dominant formulations at 1-2 g/day
- •Atrial fibrillation incidence rises ~30-50% at 4 g/day; relevant for older patients with pre-existing CV disease
- •Tissue omega-3 index (RBC EPA + DHA) target ~8%; Western baseline typically 4-5%
- •Triglyceride and re-esterified triglyceride forms absorb ~70% better than ethyl esters in fasted state
Rapamycin
- •Inhibits mTORC1 signaling by binding FKBP12, reducing protein synthesis and relieving autophagy suppression
- •ITP mouse program reproduced lifespan extension of ~10 to 25% across multiple genetic backgrounds and sexes
- •Mannick trials showed improved influenza vaccine response in elderly adults using analogs of rapamycin
- •PEARL human trial reported acceptable safety at 5 to 10 mg weekly with some functional and lean-mass signals
- •Common dose-limiting adverse effects include stomatitis, acne-like rash, and mildly elevated lipid markers
- •CYP3A4 substrate: grapefruit, ketoconazole, and clarithromycin substantially raise rapamycin exposure
Side-by-side
| Attribute | Omega-3 (EPA/DHA) | Rapamycin |
|---|---|---|
| Category | supplement | pharmaceutical |
| Also known as | fish oil, EPA, DHA, marine omega-3 | Sirolimus, Rapamune |
| Half-life (hr) ↗ | 48 | 62 |
| Typical dose (mg) ↗ | 2000 | 6 |
| Dosing frequency | 1 to 2 times daily with food | weekly (longevity protocols); daily for transplant indication |
| Routes | oral | oral |
| Onset (hr) | 4 | 1 |
| Peak (hr) | 12 | 2 |
| Molecular weight | 302.45 | 914.17 |
| Molecular formula | C20H30O2 (EPA); C22H32O2 (DHA) | C51H79NO13 |
| Mechanism | Substitutes arachidonic acid in membrane phospholipids, shifting eicosanoid production toward less-inflammatory 3-series prostaglandins and 5-series leukotrienes. Activates PPAR-alpha to lower hepatic VLDL/triglyceride synthesis. DHA modulates synaptic membrane fluidity and neuronal function. | Binds FKBP12, and the resulting complex inhibits mTORC1, reducing protein synthesis and autophagy suppression downstream of nutrient and growth-factor signaling. |
| Legal status | Dietary supplement; prescription forms (icosapent ethyl, omega-3 acid ethyl esters) for severe hypertriglyceridemia | Prescription only (off-label for longevity) |
| WADA status | allowed | allowed |
| DEA / Rx | Not scheduled | Rx only (not a controlled substance) |
| Pregnancy | Recommended at 200 to 600 mg DHA/day for fetal development | Not recommended |
| CAS | 10417-94-4 | 53123-88-9 |
| PubChem CID | 446284 | 5284616 |
| Wikidata | Q207688 | Q410174 |
Safety profile
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA)
Common side effects
- fishy aftertaste
- eructation (fish burps)
- mild dyspepsia
- loose stools at high doses
Contraindications
- fish allergy (use algal omega-3 alternative)
- active bleeding disorders
- scheduled surgery (discontinue 5-7 days prior)
Interactions
- warfarin and DOACs: additive antiplatelet effect at 2+ g/day; meaningful bleeding risk(moderate)
- aspirin and antiplatelet agents: additive bleeding risk at high doses(moderate)
- statins: complementary cardiovascular effects; no pharmacokinetic interaction(minor)
- antiarrhythmics: high-dose omega-3 increases AF risk; relevant in pre-existing arrhythmia(moderate)
Rapamycin
Common side effects
- mouth ulcers (stomatitis)
- acne-like rash
- GI upset
- altered lipid panel
- delayed wound healing
Contraindications
- active infection
- severe hepatic impairment
- planned surgery (delayed wound healing)
- pregnancy
- live vaccines within dosing window
Interactions
- strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (ketoconazole, clarithromycin, grapefruit): substantially raises rapamycin levels, toxicity risk(major)
- strong CYP3A4 inducers (rifampin, St John's wort): lowers rapamycin levels, reduced effect(major)
- ACE inhibitors: increased risk of angioedema(moderate)
- live vaccines: reduced vaccine efficacy due to immunosuppression(major)
Which Should You Take?
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA) comes out ahead for most readers on the criteria we weight: 3 catalogued goals, OTC dietary supplement, oral dosing, with a Tier-A outcome catalogued. Rapamycin is the right call when one of the conditionals below applies.
- → If your priority is cardiovascular health, pick Omega-3 (EPA/DHA).
- → If your priority is focus or working memory, pick Omega-3 (EPA/DHA).
- → If your priority is immune support, pick Rapamycin.
Edge case: If you want to avoid prescription-only, Omega-3 (EPA/DHA) is the more accessible choice.
Default choice: Omega-3 (EPA/DHA). Lower friction to source, a Tier-A evidence outcome catalogued, and broader goal coverage. Reach for Rapamycin only if your priority sits squarely in the goals it owns above.
This verdict is generated from each compound's schema (goals, legal status, evidence outcomes, dosing route). It updates automatically as our compound data evolves; the deeper read sits on each individual compound page.
Common questions
What is the difference between Omega-3 (EPA/DHA) and Rapamycin?
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA) and Rapamycin differ in category (supplement vs pharmaceutical), mechanism, and typical dosing. See the side-by-side table for full details.
Which has a longer half-life, Omega-3 (EPA/DHA) or Rapamycin?
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA) half-life is 48 hours; Rapamycin half-life is 62 hours.
Can you stack Omega-3 (EPA/DHA) with Rapamycin?
Stack compatibility depends on mechanism overlap, legal status, and individual response. Check each compound page for specific interactions and contraindications before combining.
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