Kiwi fruits May Effectively Relieve Symptoms of Chronic Constipation, Study Suggests - Video

Scientists from King's College London have released the first-ever evidence-based dietary guidelines for adults with chronic constipation, offering new directions for treating this widespread condition. The recommendations identify specific foods and supplements that can effectively relieve symptoms such as infrequent bowel movements, straining, and hard stools.

Their analysis was jointly published in the Journal of Human Nutrition & Dietetics and Neurogastroenterology & Motility, with endorsement from the British Dietetic Association.

Kiwifruit is especially beneficial for digestive health due to its high fiber content and the enzyme actinidin, which aids protein digestion and improves bowel regularity. It is rich in vitamin C-providing more per serving than many fruits-and antioxidants that reduce inflammation and promote immune health. Kiwi also supports nutrient absorption, lowers cortisol levels to reduce stress, and can enhance sleep quality. Its prebiotic fiber nourishes gut-friendly bacteria, promoting a balanced microbiome critical for overall digestive and metabolic health.

Led by Dr. Eirini Dimidi, Reader in Nutritional Sciences, and Professor Kevin Whelan, the research team applied the GRADE framework to systematically assess studies on constipation management. A multidisciplinary panel-including dietitians, gastroenterologists, and nutritionists—reviewed over 75 clinical trials to form 59 recommendation statements and 12 research priorities.

The study found that eating kiwifruit, rye bread, and drinking mineral-rich water can significantly improve bowel health. In addition, taking psyllium fibre supplements, certain probiotic strains, and magnesium oxide supplements showed strong evidence of benefit. By contrast, commonly suggested solutions like general “high-fibre diets” and senna-based laxatives lacked reliable evidence of effectiveness.

Dr. Dimidi explained that while high-fibre eating has many general health benefits, robust evidence for its effect on constipation is lacking. The new guidelines, she said, give patients practical strategies to self-manage symptoms.

Reference: Dimidi, E., van der Schoot, A., Barrett, K., Farmer, A.D., Lomer, M.C., Scott, S.M. and Whelan, K. (2025), British Dietetic Association Guidelines for the Dietary Management of Chronic Constipation in Adults. Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, 38: e70133. https://doi.org/10.1111/jhn.70133