Health · Medical Research · 51 mins ago
Review finds two green kiwifruit a day may ease constipation
Researchers at Tohoku University in Japan reviewed 33 studies on kiwifruit and digestive health.
The review found that two fresh green kiwifruit a day may ease constipation and improve stool consistency and digestive comfort in adults with chronic constipation or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
In one study, people with chronic constipation had more than one additional bowel movement per week, while those with IBS had almost two more.
Kiwifruit contains fibre, water and sorbitol, which may help keep stools hydrated and make bowel movements easier.
Comparisons suggest kiwifruit may work as well as prunes with fewer side effects, such as bloating and gas.
The strongest evidence was for green kiwifruit, and the researchers said the findings should not automatically be applied to gold kiwifruit or supplements.
They described two fresh green kiwifruit daily for about four weeks as the most consistent regimen, but said kiwifruit is an option, not a replacement for conventional care.
A review of 33 studies found that two fresh green kiwifruit a day may help relieve constipation and improve digestive comfort.
The studies suggest kiwifruit may increase bowel movement frequency, improve stool consistency and reduce straining in adults with chronic constipation and IBS.
One study found bowel movements increased by more than once a week among people with chronic constipation and almost twice a week among those with IBS.
The review said the strongest clinical evidence is for green kiwifruit, and should not automatically be applied to gold varieties or supplements.
Researchers described kiwifruit as a dietary option, not a universal substitute for conventional treatment.
- Who
- Researchers from Tohoku University in Japan reviewed the studies.
- What
- The review found that eating two fresh green kiwifruit a day may ease constipation and improve digestive comfort.
- When
- The review was published on 15 November 2026. It analysed studies published from 1984 to 2026.
- Where
- The research team was from Tohoku University in Japan.
- Why
- The review examined whether kiwifruit could support bowel regularity and relieve constipation-related symptoms.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The researchers analysed 33 studies published over this period.
The review was published, reporting that two green kiwifruit a day may ease constipation.
- Studies reviewed
- 33
- Study publication range
- 1984–2026
- Suggested daily amount
- Two fresh green kiwifruit
- Suggested regimen
- Approximately four weeks
- Research institution
- Tohoku University in Japan
What people are saying
Kiwifruit is a promising whole-food intervention for functional constipation, constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome and their related gastrointestinal symptoms.
The most consistent clinical regimen is two fresh green kiwifruits daily for approximately four weeks.
Kiwifruit should be considered an evidence-based dietary option within individualised functional constipation and IBS care rather than a universal substitute for conventional treatment.