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

• Published in: World journal of gastroenterology : WJG Vol. 13; no. 35; pp. 4771 - 4775
• Main Author: Chan, Annie On On
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China 21.09.2007; Baishideng Publishing Group Co., Limited
• Subjects: Actinidia; Adult; Case-Control Studies; China; Chronic Disease; Constipation - diet therapy; Constipation - physiopathology; Dietary Fiber - adverse effects; Dietary Fiber - therapeutic use; Female; Fruit; Gastrointestinal Motility - physiology; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Phytotherapy - methods; Rapid Communication; Kiwifruit; Chinese; Dietary fiber; Constipation
• ISSN: 1007-9327; 2219-2840
• DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v13.i35.4771

To investigate if increased dietary fiber, in terms of kiwifruit, is effective in Chinese constipated patients. 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. 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. Increasing dietary fiber intake is effective in relieving chronic constipation in Chinese population.