Lutein vs Zeaxanthin: what is the difference?
Lutein and zeaxanthin are isomers that differ in one double bond; zeaxanthin sits at the centre of the eye's macula and lutein toward its edge.
Sources and notes
- The sentence under the titlefrom sourceMoleculeFinder comparison notesThe pair's answer line.
- The two drawingscomputedMoleculeFinder rule (RDKit MCS)Drawn the same way round on the skeleton they share. Aligned; 18 atoms differ, too many to mark as one group.
- Structural similaritycomputedRDKit Morgan/Tanimoto0.70 of 1, a Morgan fingerprint Tanimoto coefficient. It measures shape, not effect.
Side by side
| Lutein | Zeaxanthin | |
|---|---|---|
| Molecular weightCalculated PubChem | 568.9 g/molC40H56O2 | 568.9 g/molC40H56O2 |
| Hydrogen-bond donorsCalculated PubChem | 2 | 2 |
| Where each turns upEditorial MoleculeFinder food and product lists |
|
|
| FamilyEditorial MoleculeFinder curated | Carotenoids | Carotenoids |
| Everyday groupEditorial MoleculeFinder curated | Plant | Plant |
| Chemical groupsCalculated Found by rule (RDKit) | Alcohols | Alcohols |
Sources and notes
- Molecular weightcomputedPubChemComputed from the structure; the formula is under each weight.
- Hydrogen-bond donorscomputedPubChemThe hydrogens on nitrogen or oxygen that each molecule can lend to a hydrogen bond, counted from its structure.
- Where each turns upfrom sourceMoleculeFinder food and product listsEach amount is an editorial figure from our lists, not a measurement of any one product. Each mark is set by hand on the list, never inferred.
- Familyfrom sourceMoleculeFinder curated
- Everyday groupfrom sourceMoleculeFinder curated
- Chemical groupscomputedFound by rule (RDKit)Each group is found in the structure by a chemical pattern.
- Identifiersfrom sourcePubChemPubChem CID 5281243 (Lutein) and 5280899 (Zeaxanthin).
In more detail
They share the formula C40H56O2, and with meso-zeaxanthin, which the eye makes from lutein, they are the carotenoids the macula concentrates. That single bond changes how each orients in the retina: zeaxanthin sits at the very centre of the macula and lutein spreads more toward the periphery. Both absorb blue light and both are antioxidants, which is the basis of the interest in them for eye health. Dietary sources differ, with lutein highest in kale, spinach and other dark greens and zeaxanthin higher in corn, orange peppers and egg yolk. The body can convert lutein into a form of zeaxanthin, which is why supplements usually pair them.
Sources and notes
- The paragraphfrom sourceMoleculeFinder comparison notes
Questions
- What is the difference between Lutein and Zeaxanthin?
- Lutein and zeaxanthin are isomers that differ in one double bond; zeaxanthin sits at the centre of the eye's macula and lutein toward its edge.
- Do Lutein and Zeaxanthin have the same formula?
- Yes. Both are C40H56O2 at 568.9 g/mol. They are isomers: the same atoms arranged differently, which is why they behave differently despite weighing the same.
Sources and notes
- The answersfrom sourceMoleculeFinderThe first is the pair's answer line; the others are read off the table above.