The study published in the journal Nutrients showed that FGK regulated gut hormones and neurotransmitters, balanced gut bacteria and reduced inflammatory markers.
“These findings suggest that FGK effectively relieves constipation in both animals and humans, indicating its potential as an effective dietary supplement,” the researchers in Korea wrote.
The new research adds to evidence of FGK's ability to support the gut, with recent studies reporting benefits for discomfort, heartburn and abdominal pain.
Constipation affects 18.9% of older adults globally and around 17.1% of the general population in Europe, but current treatments, such as laxative medication, are sometimes ineffective or have side effects, highlighting a need for natural alternatives.
The study’s authors added that “FGK consumption can be an effective strategy for preventing and treating conditions related to gastrointestinal motility, such as delayed gastric emptying, reduced gastrointestinal motility and constipation symptoms.”
How kiwi helps constipation
Kiwi fruit contains vitamins C and E, dietary fiber, antioxidants and bioactive compounds. Studies have shown gold kiwi is richer in some nutrients than the better-known green kiwi.
The compounds in kiwi can help alleviate constipation, and the current study notes that it is common practice in New Zealand to use kiwi juice for constipation in some hospitals and care facilities.
Recent research indicates that functional constipation is associated with an imbalance between serotonin and dopamine, leading to gut microbiome changes.
The current authors highlight that as dopamine increases, gastrointestinal motility reportedly decreases, and increases in acetylcholine can improve gut motility and fecal accumulation, reflecting their results.
“These findings suggest that FGK can alleviate constipation by influencing the relationship between gut microbiota and neurotransmitters,” they wrote.
Study details
The research consisted of an animal study and a human clinical trial using a Kiwibiotics-branded FGK supplement provided by Vitech.
In the animal study, researchers administered FGK in varying doses to rats with loperamide-induced constipation for two weeks, with findings showing significant improvements in constipation parameters including stimulating gastric motility, reducing pepsin and gastric acid, and restoring the gut’s bacterial balance.
FGK increased serotonin and upregulated mRNA expression of its receptors while suppressing dopamine expression in the gut. It also increased acetylcholine, inhibited inflammatory markers and enhanced the levels of beneficial Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium microbiota while reducing Enterobacteriaceae levels.
The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 100 dyspeptic adults over eight weeks also showed significant improvements in constipation symptoms and sensations of not emptying the bowels.
“Although the clinical trial did not show significant improvements in dyspepsia symptoms, these findings contribute to understanding the limitations of FGK in this population,” the researchers wrote.
Source: Nutrients 2024, 16(21), 3778
doi: 10.3390/nu16213778
“Fermented gold kiwi improves gastrointestinal motility and functional constipation: an animal study and human randomized clinical test.”
Authors: J. Choi et al.