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World J Gastroenterol. Sep 21, 2007; 13(35): 4771-4775
Published online Sep 21, 2007. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v13.i35.4771
Increasing dietary fiber intake in terms of kiwifruit improves constipation in Chinese patients
Annie On On Chan, Gigi Leung, Teresa Tong, Nina YH Wong
Annie On On Chan, Gigi Leung, Teresa Tong, Nina YH Wong, Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
Author contributions: All authors contributed equally to the work.
Supported by Zespri International Limited, New Zealand
Correspondence to: Annie On On Chan, MD, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, China. aoochan@hku.hk
Telephone: +852-28553890 Fax: +852-28725828
Received: May 29, 2007
Revised: June 13, 2007
Accepted: June 18, 2007
Published online: September 21, 2007
Abstract

AIM: To investigate if increased dietary fiber, in terms of kiwifruit, is effective in Chinese constipated patients.

METHODS: 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) ≥ 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.

RESULTS: 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.

CONCLUSION: Increasing dietary fiber intake is effective in relieving chronic constipation in Chinese population.

Keywords: Constipation; Dietary fiber; Kiwifruit; Chinese