What is the Difference Between Astaxanthin and Zeaxanthin

The main difference between astaxanthin and zeaxanthin is that astaxanthin is a red pigment, whereas zeaxanthin is a yellow pigment.

Astaxanthin and zeaxanthin are two types of pigments. Pigments are chemical compounds that have an intense color. They also give color to other materials. There are different types of pigments, giving a variety of colors. Some pigments are naturally available, whereas some pigments can be synthesized artificially. Pigments are insoluble in water. They generally exist in a solid form and are often mixed with a liquid. Pigments can dissolve in liquids with the help of a binder. The specific color of a pigment is due to the selective absorption of certain wavelengths of light.  The main use of pigments is in the industries such as textile, paint, cosmetic, ink, and plastic industries to give a specific color to materials.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Astaxanthin
      – Definition, Features, Chemical Properties 
2. What is Zeaxanthin
      – Definition, Features, Chemical Properties 
3. Difference Between Astaxanthin and Zeaxanthin
      – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Astaxanthin, Pigments, Zeaxanthin

What is Astaxanthin

Astaxanthin is a red pigment present in marine animals and microorganisms. It is a terpene. It contains oxygen-containing compounds and is considered a carotenoid compound. Astaxanthin is found within certain types of algae, in some plants, and also in salmon, krill, algae, and lobster, giving them a pink-red color. Moreover, the molecular formula of astaxanthin is C₄₀H₅₂O4. It has a molar mass of 596.841 g/mol. The boiling point and melting points of astaxanthin are 774 °C and 216 °C, respectively. In addition, it consists of beta, beta-carotene-4,4′-dione, bearing two hydroxy substituents at positions 3 and 3′ (the 3S,3’S diastereomer). It is also available in its free form (red pigment) or as a blue, brown, green chemoprotein or as an ester.

The benefits of astaxanthin on the body include increasing male fertility, supporting healthy vision, promoting heart and brain health, and promoting photoprotection. The antioxidant property of astaxanthin protects the cells from damage and fights free radicals. Astaxanthin also improves the activity of the immune system. Additionally, the commercial production of astaxanthin is through chemical synthesis using Phaffia yeast and Hematococcus.

What is Zeaxanthin

Zeaxanthin is a yellow pigment that is present in yellow and orange fruits, dark green vegetables (lettuce, spinach, and peas), einkorn, durum wheat, corn, and egg yolks. It is also present as a carotenoid in the human eye. The chemical formula of zeaxanthin is C₄₀H₅₆O₂. The molar mass of zeaxanthin is 568.88 g/mol. Moreover, the boiling point and melting points of zeaxanthin are 711.4±55.0 °C at 760 mmHg and 203-2050C, respectively.

Zeaxanthin is derived from a hydride of beta-carotene. Furthermore, it is an antioxidant, functioning as a cofactor and a bacterial metabolite. Zeaxanthin is naturally present in Bangia fuscopurpurea and Erythrobactor longus. Zeaxanthin has special health benefits, such as reducing the risk of age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and cataracts.

Difference Between Astaxanthin and Zeaxanthin

Definition

Astaxanthin is a red pigment present in marine animals and microorganisms, while zeaxanthin is a yellow pigment that is present in food like yellow and orange fruits, dark green vegetables, durum wheat, corn, and egg yolks.

Color

Astaxanthin is a red pigment, whereas zeaxanthin is a yellow pigment.

Chemical formula

The chemical formula of astaxanthin is C₄₀H₅₂O₄, but the chemical formula of zeaxanthin is C₄₀H₅₆O₂.

Molar Mass

The molar mass of astaxanthin is 596.841g/mol, while the molar mass of zeaxanthin is 568.88g/mol.

Melting Points

The melting point of astaxanthin is 216°C, whereas the melting point of zeaxanthin is 203-205°C.

Boiling Points

The boiling point of astaxanthin is 774°C, whereas the boiling point of zeaxanthin is 711.4±55.0°C.

Conclusion

Pigments are chemical compounds with intense colors. There are a wide variety of pigments in the world, and astaxanthin and zeaxanthin are two of these pigments. The main difference between astaxanthin and zeaxanthin is that astaxanthin is red in color, while zeaxanthin is yellow in color.

Reference:

1. “Astaxanthin – Uses, Side Effects, and More.” WebMD.
2. “Zeaxanthin.” PubChem. National Library of Medicine. National Center for Biotechnology Information

Image Courtesy:

1. “Astaxanthin-3D-balls” By Jynto (talk) – This image was created with Discovery Studio Visualizer. (CC0) via Commons Wikimedia 
2. “Zeaxanthin molecule spacefill” By Jynto (talk) – This image was created with Discovery Studio Visualizer. (CC0) via Commons Wikimedia