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

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.

The Effects of Green Kiwifruit Ingestion on Digestive Health, Blood Flow, Skin Health, and the Autonomic Nervous System

“…This study found that subjects in the kiwifruit consumption group experienced a significantly greater number of complete spontaneous bowel movements (CSBM) a week, in addition to improved gastrointestinal discomfort, compared with baseline for abdominal pain, constipation, and indigestion [22]. Another recent study conducted by Noemi Caballero et al, investigated the effect of green kiwifruit on transit and tolerance to intestinal gas in 11 healthy subjects [23]. This randomized, cross-over study found that a diet consisting of 2 weeks of daily consumption of kiwifruit, in addition to a low-flatulogenic diet, led to an increase in stool frequency compared to a diet without kiwifruit for 2 weeks.…”

“…This study also found that although stool frequency increased in the kiwifruit consumption group, subjects did not undergo associated abdominal symptoms, such as increased rectal gas evacuation, which can occur due to an increase in fiber intake. This study concluded that green kiwifruit can in-crease stool frequency in healthy subjects without the associated effects on intestinal gas transit and tolerance, making it a potential alternative treatment for constipation [23]. In addition to laxative properties, Lee et al wanted to determine how 4 days of kiwifruit consumption would influence intestinal microbiota populations [24].…”

Kiwifruit (Actinidia spp.) Dietary Consumption for Constipation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…In total, 229 articles (PubMed: 85; EMBASE: 106; Cochrane Library: 38) were retrieved, and eight of them, describing nine clinical studies, were considered eligible for inclusion in this review [30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37]. The PRISMA flow diagram summarising the article selection process is displayed in Figure 1.…”

Green kiwifruit (lat. Actinidia deliciosa var. Hayward) and maintenance of normal defecation: evaluation of a health claim pursuant to Article 13(5) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006

“…The Panel notes that this study with a small sample size and a short duration was not designed to investigate changes in defecation and that the number of kiwifruits consumed in the study was twice the amount proposed in the conditions of use. Caballero et al (2020) carried out a two-period cross-over, randomised, single-blind study to evaluate the effect of consumption of a low-flatulogenic diet (excluding legumes, vegetables, garlic, onion, cucumber, nuts, cereals, whole-meal bread, and fizzy drinks) plus green kiwifruit in comparison to a low flatulogenic diet alone on intestinal gas production (primary outcome), stool frequency, stool consistency and abdominal symptoms. Eleven healthy individuals (8 women; age range 18-23 years) were recruited and all completed the study.…”

“…Six human intervention studies reported in five publications (Rush et al., 2002; Wilkinson‐Smith et al. 2018; Caballero et al., 2020; Drummond et al., 2020 unpublished study report; Chey et al., 2019) were evaluated by the Panel for the scientific substantiation of the claim. All of them were conducted with green kiwifruit var.…”