Efficacy of a Kiwifruit Extract (PhenActiv<sup>TM</sup>) on Gastrointestinal Tract Function: A Randomised Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study — Oak Academic Publishing
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Efficacy of a Kiwifruit Extract (PhenActiv<sup>TM</sup>) on Gastrointestinal Tract Function: A Randomised Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study
RDC Clinical, Brisbane, Australia
,
School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
,
School of Medicine, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
1 RDC Clinical, Brisbane, Australia
2 School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
3 School of Medicine, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
Objective: Gastrointestinal (GI) discomfort is experienced by millions of people every day. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of PhenActiv TM , 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 PhenActiv TM 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 w as 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 < 0.05), however , only the active group had a significant improvement in the IBSSS and PAC-QOL scores (p < 0.05) from baseline. Neither group had changes in sleep quality, quality of life and fatigue, plasma zonulin concentrations or macular pigment optical density scores. The product was well tolerated with no GI disturbances or adverse events being reported. Conclusion: Supplementation of 3.0 g/day of PhenActiv TM 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.
KeywordsKiwifruit ExtractGastrointestinal Tract FunctionStoolGastrointestinal HealthBowel FunctionDefecation Frequency
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