TITLE:
Efficacy of a Kiwifruit Extract (PhenActivTM) on Gastrointestinal Tract Function: A Randomised Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study
AUTHORS:
David Briskey, Alistair Rowan Mallard, Amanda Rao
KEYWORDS:
Kiwifruit Extract, Gastrointestinal Tract Function, Stool, Gastrointestinal Health, Bowel Function, Defecation Frequency
JOURNAL NAME:
Food and Nutrition Sciences,
Vol.14 No.12,
December
25,
2023
ABSTRACT: Objective: Gastrointestinal (GI) discomfort is experienced by
millions of people every day. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of PhenActivTM, a novel green kiwifruit
extract, on gastrointestinal tract (GIT) function in otherwise healthy adults. Methods: 41 healthy adults with mild GI discomfort were enrolled in this
double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Participants were
randomized to either take 3.0 g/day of PhenActivTM or a placebo for
6 weeks. Interviews were conducted at baseline, week 3 and week 6, with
participants completing questionnaires regarding GI symptoms. Frequency of
bowel movements was self-recorded daily. Results: There were no
differences in daily and weekly defecation frequency and stool characteristics
in either group. The active and placebo groups significantly improve GSRS
scores (p , only the active group had a significant improvement in the IBSSS and
PAC-QOL scores (p Conclusion: Supplementation
of 3.0 g/day of PhenActivTM for 6 weeks did not improve defecation
frequency or stool composition in healthy adults, but did improve perceived
symptoms of GIT function, including symptoms of functional GIT disorders, IBS
and constipation. The product was well tolerated and future trials
investigating higher doses with more participants and/or a different population
would be beneficial.