Increasing dietary fiber intake in terms of kiwifruit improves constipation in Chinese patients.

2007
World journal of gastroenterology 13(35)
- Annie-On-On Chan
- Gigi Leung
- Teresa Tong
- Nina-Yh Wong

PubMed: 17729399
DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v13.i35.4771

Study Design

Type: Clinical Trial
Population: 33 constipated patients and 20 healthy volunteers
Methods: 4-wk treatment of kiwi fruit twice daily
Blinding: Open-label
Duration: 4-wk
Funding: Unclear

Aim

To investigate if increased dietary fiber, in terms of kiwifruit, is effective in Chinese constipated patients.

Methods

33 constipated patients and 20 healthy volunteers were recruited for a 4-wk treatment of kiwi fruit twice daily. Response during wk 1-4 was defined as an increase in complete spontaneous bowl, motion (CSBM) > or = 1/wk. Secondary efficacy included response during wk 1-4, individual symptoms and scores of bowel habits and constipation. Responses were compared with the baseline run-in period. Colonic transit time and anorectal manometry were performed before and after treatment.

Results

Responder rate was 54.5% in the constipated group. The mean CSBM increased after treatment (2.2 +/- 2.6 vs 4.4 +/- 4.6, P = 0.013). There was also improvement in the scores for bothersomeness of constipation (P = 0.02), and satisfaction of bowel habit (P = 0.001), and decreased in days of laxative used (P = 0.003). There was also improvement in transit time (P = 0.003) and rectal sensation (P < 0.05). However, there was no change in the bowel symptoms or anorectal physiology in the healthy subjects.

Conclusion

Increasing dietary fiber intake is effective in relieving chronic constipation in Chinese population.

Research Insights

kiwi→Improved Bowel Movement Frequency
and satisfaction of bowel habit (P = 0.001)
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Dose
kiwi fruit twice daily (4 weeks)
kiwi→Improved Rectal Sensation
rectal sensation (P < 0.05)
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Dose
kiwi fruit twice daily (4 weeks)
kiwi→Improved Transit Time
There was also improvement in transit time (P = 0.003)
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Dose
kiwi fruit twice daily (4 weeks)
kiwi→Reduced Laxative Use Days
decreased in days of laxative used (P = 0.003)
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Dose
kiwi fruit twice daily (4 weeks)
kiwi→Reduced Straining
There was also improvement in the scores for bothersomeness of constipation (P = 0.02)
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Dose
kiwi fruit twice daily (4 weeks)