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The effect of green kiwifruit on gas transit and tolerance in healthy humans
Author(s) -
Caballero Noemi,
Benslaiman Bouchra,
Ansell Juliet,
Serra Jordi
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
neurogastroenterology and motility
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.489
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1365-2982
pISSN - 1350-1925
DOI - 10.1111/nmo.13874
Subject(s) - medicine , abdominal distension , constipation , distension , surgery
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.