In healthy subjects, green kiwifruit increases stool frequency without relevant effects on intestinal gas transit and tolerance. If confirmed in patients, these fruits may provide a natural and well‐tolerated treatment alternative for constipation.

The effect of green kiwifruit on gas transit and tolerance in healthy humans:

In a cross‐over, randomized study in healthy subjects, intake of the fibre‐rich green kiwifruit increased bowel movements without effects on gas transit and tolerance in response to a gas challenge test. If confirmed in patients, these fruits may provide a natural and well tolerated treatment alternative for constipation.

Abstract

Background

Green kiwifruit is a fiber‐rich fruit that has been shown effective for treatment of constipation. However, fermentation of fibers by colonic bacteria may worsen commonly associated gas‐related abdominal symptoms. Aim: To determine the effect of green kiwifruit on transit and tolerance to intestinal gas in humans.

Methods

In 11 healthy individuals, two gas challenge tests were performed (a) after 2 weeks on a low‐flatulogenic diet and daily intake of 2 green kiwifruits and (b) after 2 weeks on a similar diet without intake of kiwifruits. The gas challenge test consisted in continuous infusion of a mixture of gases into the jejunum at 12 mL/min for 2 hours while measuring rectal gas evacuation, abdominal symptoms, and abdominal distension. During the 2 weeks prior to each gas challenge test (on‐kiwifruit and off‐kiwifruit), the number and consistency of stools, and abdominal symptoms were registered.

Key Results

Intake of kiwifruits was associated with more bowel movements per day (1.8 ± 0.1 vs 1.5 ± 0.1 off‐kiwifruit; P  = .001) and somewhat looser stools (Bristol score 3.3 ± 0.2 vs 2.8 ± 0.1 off‐kiwifruit; P  = .072) without relevant abdominal symptoms. Gas infusion produced similar gas evacuation (1238 ± 254 mL and 1172 ± 290 mL; P  = .4355), perception of symptoms (score 1.2 ± 0.2 and 1.3 ± 0.3; P  = .2367), and abdominal distension (17 ± 7 mm and 17 ± 6 mm; P  = .4704) while on‐kiwifruit or off‐kiwifruit.

Conclusions and Inferences

In healthy subjects, green kiwifruit increases stool frequency without relevant effects on intestinal gas transit and tolerance. If confirmed in patients, these fruits may provide a natural and well‐tolerated treatment alternative for constipation.

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Kiwifruit

Flesh

Description

Description

Kiwifruit, or Chinese gooseberry, is the edible berry of several species of woody vines in the genus Actinidia. The most common cultivar group of kiwifruit is oval, about the size of a large hen's egg: 5–8 cm in length and 4.5–5.5 cm in diameter. Wikipedia

Nutrition Facts

KiwiKiwi, goldKiwi

Sources include:USDA

Amount Per 1 fruit (2" dia) (69 g)100 grams1 NLEA serving (148 g)1 cup, sliced (180 g)100 grams

Calories 61

% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0.5 g	0%
Saturated fat 0 g	0%
Polyunsaturated fat 0.3 g
Monounsaturated fat 0 g
Cholesterol 0 mg	0%
Sodium 3 mg	0%
Potassium 312 mg	8%
Total Carbohydrate 15 g	5%
Dietary fiber 3 g	12%
Sugar 9 g
Protein 1.1 g	2%

Vitamin A	1%	Vitamin C	154%
Calcium	3%	Iron	1%
Vitamin D	0%	Vitamin B-6	5%
Cobalamin	0%	Magnesium	4%

*Per cent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.