A clinical trial published in a leading gastroenterology journal found that eating two green kiwifruits daily improved bowel function and gastrointestinal comfort more effectively than psyllium fiber in people with chronic constipation and IBS-C.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Consuming two green kiwifruits each day may provide more effective relief from chronic constipation than a commonly used fiber supplement, according to a new clinical trial that compared the fruit directly with psyllium husk.
The study evaluated 184 adults, including individuals with functional constipation, those with constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C), and a group of healthy participants. Researchers used a randomized crossover design in which participants consumed two skinless green kiwifruits daily for four weeks, followed by a washout period, and then took a daily 7.5-gram dose of psyllium for another four weeks.
Researchers measured changes in “complete spontaneous bowel movements,” defined as bowel movements that occur without laxatives and are perceived as satisfactory. They also tracked broader gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, and overall digestive comfort.
Participants with functional constipation and IBS-C experienced a clinically meaningful increase of at least 1.5 additional complete spontaneous bowel movements per week while consuming kiwifruit. Psyllium also improved bowel frequency, but to a lesser extent. Kiwifruit was additionally associated with greater improvements in overall gastrointestinal comfort, with reductions in bloating and abdominal discomfort reported across constipated participants.
Investigators attributed the difference to the unique composition of kiwifruit. In addition to its fiber content, which has a strong capacity to retain water and soften stool, kiwifruit contains the natural enzyme actinidin. The enzyme is believed to aid protein digestion, contributing to improved gastrointestinal function beyond the effects of fiber alone.
The findings add to a growing body of research suggesting that the source and structure of dietary fiber may be as important as the total amount consumed. Traditional guidance has often focused on increasing overall fiber intake, an approach that can worsen bloating or discomfort in some patients. The study supports more targeted dietary recommendations based on specific whole foods with demonstrated clinical benefits.
Researchers noted that the intervention periods were relatively short for a chronic condition and relied on participant-reported outcomes. However, they said the crossover design and consistent results across multiple symptom measures strengthen the findings.
The authors concluded that green kiwifruit can be safely recommended as a first-line dietary option for managing chronic constipation and IBS-C. For patients, the approach involves a simple and specific change: incorporating two green kiwifruits into the daily diet, eaten on their own or added to foods such as yogurt or smoothies.
The study underscores a broader shift in nutritional research toward identifying functional foods that provide measurable health benefits, offering a whole-food alternative to processed supplements for common gastrointestinal conditions.
Watch and learn about the health benefits of Kiwifruits.
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Source: Natural News
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