Normalization of Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Adults With Constipation With Daily Green Kiwifruit Consumption: Protocol for an Open-Label Intervention Study.

BACKGROUND

Irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) and functional constipation (FC) have significant personal, health care, and social impacts, affecting patients' quality of life. Treatment of these conditions is challenging. While green kiwifruit is a promising natural alternative to laxatives, its effectiveness in managing abdominal pain and the underlying mechanism of action is yet to be substantiated.

OBJECTIVE

This study investigates the effect of consuming 2 green kiwifruit daily for 4 weeks (the habitual serving) on abdominal pain and discomfort in individuals with IBS-C and FC.

METHODS

This study is a 2-arm parallel, open-label, placebo-controlled randomized study. This study's duration was 9 weeks, with a 3-week lead-in phase, a 4-week intervention phase, and a 2-week follow-up phase. A total of 60 participants with IBS-C and FC were randomized to consume either 2 Zespri green kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa "Hayward," ~150 g per serving, ~90 kcal) or maltodextrin (calorie-matched to the fruit, ~25 g per serving, ~90 kcal) per day for 4 weeks. The participants completed validated questionnaires assessing digestive and general health and well-being parameters, underwent magnetic resonance imaging to determine colon physiological measures, ingested a blue food dye, provided blood and fecal samples to measure microbial, immunological, and biochemical parameters, and ingested wireless motility devices (selected participants only) to assess physiological processes.

RESULTS

Recruitment for this study began in May 2021 and was completed in May 2022. A total of 63 participants were randomized, and 57 were analyzed using intention-to-treat analysis. Data analysis is complete, and full results are expected to be published in a peer-reviewed journal by April 2026.

CONCLUSIONS

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of green kiwifruit consumption in managing abdominal pain in individuals with IBS-C and FC. It will provide new insights into the mechanisms behind the habitual consumption of green kiwifruit for digestive comfort in this population.