Two Green Kiwifruit a Day May Help Relieve Chronic Constipation, Research Review Suggests

An international study involving 184 participants compared the effects of eating two green kiwifruit a day with those of taking psyllium, a soluble fiber supplement commonly used to treat constipation. Among participants with chronic constipation, eating kiwifruit increased the average number of complete spontaneous bowel movements by 1.53 per week. In patients with constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome, the increase was 1.73 per week. Both groups also experienced a reduction in digestive discomfort.

The potential benefits may be explained by the combination of dietary fiber, water and sorbitol, which helps retain water in the intestines. Fiber increases stool bulk, while compounds found in the fruit may influence the gut microbiota. Green kiwifruit also contains actinidin, an enzyme involved in protein digestion, although its independent role in relieving constipation has not yet been established.

According to the review, kiwifruit may be an alternative to other dietary remedies, including psyllium and prunes. In one comparative study, kiwifruit consumption was associated with fewer side effects and lower levels of dissatisfaction with treatment.

The review's author considers eating two fresh green kiwifruit daily for approximately four weeks a promising approach. However, the paper is a review, and the studies included differed in their methods and duration. Therefore, the findings do not guarantee the same benefits for everyone. People experiencing persistent constipation, worsening pain or other concerning symptoms should consult a doctor.