Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common functional disorder of the
gastrointestinal system, and is characterized by abdominal pain, diarrhea
(IBS/D), constipation (IBS/C), and alternating diarrhea and constipation
(IBSC/A). The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of a four week
kiwifruit intervention on bowel function in patients diagnosed with IBS/C.
Fifty-four patients with IBS/C and 16 healthy adults participated in this
study. All subjects participated in the 6 week, three phase study, which
included a baseline phase (1 week), a dietary intervention period (4 weeks),
and a post-intervention phase (1 week). Forty-one IBS/C patients and all
healthy adults consumed two Hayward green (Actinida deliciosa var)
kiwifruits per day for 4 weeks. Thirteen IBS/C patients in the control group
took two placebo capsules per day for 4 weeks. Colon transit time was
measured immediately prior to and following the intervention period. All
subjects completed daily defecation records. After the 4-week intervention,
weekly defecation frequency significantly increased in the IBS/C group of
participants who consumed kiwifruit (p<0.05). Colon transit time
significantly decreased (p=0.026) in the IBS/C group that consumed kiwi
fruit. These findings suggest that kiwifruit consumption for 4 weeks
shortens colon transit time, increases defecation frequency, and improves
bowel function in adults diagnosed with IBS/C.