Kiwifruit should be considered for treating chronic idiopathic constipation in adults but not necessarily as part of a high-fibre diet, according to the first dietary guidelines specifically for the condition.

The novel UK guidance includes foods and supplements that have never been previously featured in clinical recommendations and is based on four systematic reviews that include a total of 75 randomised controlled trials. 

Both the green and gold varieties of kiwifruit performed on par with psyllium but without the bloating, abdominal pain or flatulence often reported with fibre supplements.

Rye bread, magnesium oxide and mineral-rich water were also recommended for managing chronic constipation, with the British Dietetic Association guidelines describing them as the only interventions with proven clinical benefit.