Kiwifruit-derived supplements increase stool frequency in healthy adults: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
The worldwide growth in the incidence of gastrointestinal disorders has created an immediate need to identify safe and effective interventions. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, we examined the effects of Actazin and Gold, kiwifruit-derived nutritional ingredients, on stool frequency, stool form, and gastrointestinal comfort in healthy and functionally constipated (Rome III criteria for C3 functional constipation) individuals. Using a crossover design, all participants consumed all 4 dietary interventions (Placebo, Actazin low dose [Actazin-L] [600 mg/day], Actazin high dose [Actazin-H] [2400 mg/day], and Gold [2400 mg/day]). Each intervention was taken for 28 days followed by a 14-day washout period between interventions. Participants recorded their daily bowel movements and well-being parameters in daily questionnaires. In the healthy cohort (n = 19), the Actazin-H (P = .014) and Gold (P = .009) interventions significantly increased the mean daily bowel movements compared with the washout. No significant differences were observed in stool form as determined by use of the Bristol stool scale. In a subgroup analysis of responders in the healthy cohort, Actazin-L (P = .005), Actazin-H (P < .001), and Gold (P = .001) consumption significantly increased the number of daily bowel movements by greater than 1 bowel movement per week. In the functionally constipated cohort (n = 9), there were no significant differences between interventions for bowel movements and the Bristol stool scale values or in the subsequent subgroup analysis of responders. This study demonstrated that Actazin and Gold produced clinically meaningful increases in bowel movements in healthy individuals.
The New Zealand Institute for Plant & Food Research Limited, Private Bag 11600, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand.
Juliet
J
Ansell
The New Zealand Institute for Plant & Food Research Limited, Private Bag 11600, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand. Electronic address: chrissie.butts@plantandfood.co.nz.
Christine A
CA
Butts
The New Zealand Institute for Plant & Food Research Limited, Private Bag 92169, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand.
Gunaranjan
G
Paturi
The New Zealand Institute for Plant & Food Research Limited, Private Bag 4704, Christchurch, 8140, New Zealand.
Sarah L
SL
Eady
The New Zealand Institute for Plant & Food Research Limited, Private Bag 4704, Christchurch, 8140, New Zealand.
Alison J
AJ
Wallace
The New Zealand Institute for Plant & Food Research Limited, Private Bag 11600, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand.
Duncan
D
Hedderley
Department of Medicine, University of Otago, PO Box 4345, Christchurch, 8140, New Zealand.
Richard B
RB
Gearry
D029042:Actinidia / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D000328:Adult; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003248:Constipation / Q000097:blood / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D003672:Defecation; D019587:Dietary Supplements / Q000009:adverse effects; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005638:Fruit / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D054368:Laxatives / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009520:New Zealand; D010860:Pigments, Biological / Q000096:biosynthesis; D028321:Plant Preparations / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D059808:Polyphenols / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D056692:Prebiotics / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D015854:Up-Regulation
D054368:Laxatives; D010860:Pigments, Biological; D028321:Plant Preparations; D059808:Polyphenols; D056692:Prebiotics
Actazin(TM); Bowel movements; Constipation; Kiwifruit; Laxation; Stool frequency