Effects of kivia powder on Gut health in patients with occasional constipation: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

Abstract

ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of Kivia powder on supporting overall gut health through the relief of the discomfort of occasional constipation.DesignRandomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial.InterventionsThe investigational product for this study was Kivia powder (Vital Food Processors Ltd., Auckland, New Zealand), containing the active ingredient Zyactinase™, 5.5 g taken daily for four weeks.ResultsOne hundred thirty-eight subjects reporting occasional constipation were screened and 87 were randomized to placebo (n = 44) and product (n = 43). Bowel movement frequency, as measured by both average daily spontaneous bowel movements (SBM) and complete spontaneous bowel movements (CSBM), were the same in both groups at baseline. There were significant increases in spontaneous bowel movements at week 1 (p = 0.001), week 2 (p = 0.001), week 3 (p = 0.000), and week 4 (p = 0.000) compared to baseline. SBM demonstrated significant differences between the treatment group and the placebo group at week 3 (p = 0.000), and week 4 (p = 0.020). The treatment group demonstrated a significantly higher rate of SBM at week 3 (p = 000) and from baseline to week 4 (p = 0.019). Significant increases in complete spontaneous bowel movements were observed at week 1 (p = 0.000), week 2 (p = 0.000), week 3 (p = 0.000), and week 4 (p = 0.000) compared to baseline. Moreover, CSBM was significantly higher for the treatment group compared to placebo at week 2 (p = 0.001). The change in average daily CSBM from baseline to week 2 was significantly higher in the treatment group than in the placebo group (p = 0.004).Abdominal discomfort or pain demonstrated significant differences between groups at week 1 (p = 0.044) and week 3 (p = 0.026). Flatulence was significantly lower for active group compared to placebo at week 2 (p = 0.047) and week 3 (p = 0.023). The number of bowel movements associated with urgency was significantly lower in the treatment group compared to the placebo group at week 3 (p = 0.048). In addition, it was decreased from baseline to week 1 (p = 0.040) and from baseline to week 3 (p = 0.024) in the treatment group, while the placebo group did not report any reductions in bowel urgency. Bowel movements in the treatment arm were significantly smoother and softer by week 2 (p = 0.020) and week 3 (p = 0.041).ConclusionsTreatment with Kivia powder, an extract of kiwifruit containing Zyactinase™, for four weeks was well tolerated and more effective than placebo in gently enhancing bowel movement frequency and reducing abdominal pain and flatulence in subjects with occasional constipation.Trial registrationISRCTN: ISRCTN49036618

<p>Effect of kiwifruit on metabolic health in patients with cardiovascular risk factors: a systematic review and meta-analysis</p>

“…The remaining three reports were excluded 18,19,21. Four studies were further excluded because they enrolled subjects with other conditions, for example, allergic diseases and constipation 22–25. Finally, five randomized controlled trials met the inclusion criteria and were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis 20,26–29.…”

“…These effects may be helpful for dyslipidemic patients. In addition, kiwifruit was reported to have beneficial effects in patients with constipation problem25 and neuropathic diabetic foot ulcer 38. One study, being a nonrandomized trial and therefore not included in our systematic review, demonstrated that consumption of two kiwifruits per day for 8 weeks could improve HDL and decrease LDL/ HDL ratio and TC/HDL ratio in hyperlipidemic subjects 9…”

The effect of ‘Zesy002’ kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensisvar.chinensis) on gut health function: a randomised cross-over clinical trial

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Laxative Effects of Yangyin Tongmi Capsule on a Model of Diphenoxylate‐Induced Constipation in Mice

“…Constipation is one of the most common digestive tract diseases in clinic [31]. Its main symptoms are prolonged defecation cycle, fewer numbers of feces, and disappearance of defecation intention [32]. At the same time, abdominal distension, mental fatigue, reduced body mass, dark complexion, and other symptoms such as irritability, bad breath, Figure 2: YTC shorten the defecating time of first black feces and improved the carbon propulsion rate in diphenoxylate-induced constipation mice.…”