SunGold kiwifruit has some potential as a possible alternative therapy for constipation.

The effect of 'Zesy002' kiwifruit (var.) on gut health function: a randomised cross-over clinical trial.

Sarah L Eady, A E Wallace, Christine Butts, Duncan Hedderley, Lynley N Drummond, Juliet Ansell, Richard B Gearry

J Nutr Sci

Jan 1, 2019

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Abstract

Functional gastrointestinal disorders including constipation affect up to 14 % of the world's population. Treatment is difficult and challenging resulting in a need for alternative safe and effective therapies. The present study investigated whether daily consumption of three gold-fleshed kiwifruit could alleviate constipation and improve gastrointestinal discomfort in mildly constipated individuals with and without pain. A total of thirty-two participants were enrolled in a 16-week randomised, single-blind, crossover study. Participants received either three 'Zesy002' kiwifruit or 14·75 g Metamucil(5 g dietary fibre/d (a positive control)) for 4 weeks each with a 4-week washout between treatments. A 2-week washout period was included at the beginning and end of the study. Daily bowel habit diaries were kept throughout the study. The primary outcome measure was differences in the number of complete spontaneous bowel movements (CSBM). Secondary outcome measures were bowel movement frequency and stool form as well as digestive symptoms and comfort. The number of CSBM per week was significantly greater during daily consumption of three kiwifruit compared with the baseline (6·33·3;