What is Viridian KiwiZyme?

KiwiZyme provides Digesten^TM a unique kiwi fruit extract. Combined with Aloe vera inner leaf extract and FOS prebiotic. An easy to take once-daily-use.

The Kiwi fruit will be familiar to you from countless tropical fruit salads and smoothie recipes; what is less well-known is the therapeutic properties of this furry ovoid. Kiwi fruit (Actinidia deliciosa) is a vibrant, green nutritionally rich super fruit that has unique benefits for digestive health including prebiotic effects, digestive enzyme activity, and the ability to improve bowel regularity. The digestive health effects of this remarkable fruit have been well studied, especially for relieving the abdominal discomfort and flatulence experienced with constipation.

Kiwifruit has three main nutritional characteristics that explain its unique digestive health effects:

• Digestive aid: kiwi fruit contains the enzyme actinidin, which has been shown to enhance digestion and act as a digestive aid.

• Improves gut bacteria: Kiwi fruit contains prebiotics including phytonutrient fibres in the form of pectic, hemicellulosic, and cellulosic polysaccharides, all of which can improve the health of your gut bacteria.

• Fibre: compared with other fruit, green kiwi fruit are exceptionally high in vitamins C, E, K, folate, carotenoids, potassium, fibre, and phytochemicals which nourish and support a healthy digestive system. Kiwi is also rich in gentle bulking fibre with a large water holding capacity.

Extracted from fruit sustainably grown in New Zealand where growing conditions improve the nutritional quality of the fruit, Digesten® kiwi fruit is extracted via a process which is free of chemicals, harsh solvents and dyes and is also environmentally friendly and minimises waste. Digesten® kiwi fruit includes the fruit flesh and is guaranteed to have a high level of the enzyme actinidin. KiwiZymeTM also provides Aloe vera and prebiotic fructooligosaccharides.

Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) has long history of traditional use as a natural supplement due to its soothing and healing properties. Aloe contains a wide range of phytonutrients, as well as a wide range of vitamins and minerals. Aloe vera has been shown to improve gastrointestinal health by restoring bacterial balance, enhancing digestion, and increasing absorption of nutrients.

Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) are natural fibre found in a wide variety of foods. When consumed, FOS reaches the large intestine unchanged where it is then metabolised by the gut microflora (beneficial bacteria), it is therefore considered a prebiotic compound.

What is KiwiZyme used for?

Viridian KiwiZyme - Digesten Kiwi Fruit and CONSTIPATION

is a common condition affecting people of all age groups. It is characterised by infrequent bowel movements and the inability to completely empty the bowel. Symptoms of constipation can include pain, difficulty having bowel movements (straining), hard or small stools, a sense of incomplete bowel movement, and swollen abdomen or abdominal pain. As a result, laxative dependency can become an issue with natural gut motility and function becoming compromised. Both fresh kiwi fruit, and kiwifruit extract have been shown to relieve constipation within approximately four weeks of use and without strong, stimulant laxative effects.

In a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, high dose kiwi fruit powder (5000mg/ day) taken once daily for four weeks significantly improved bowel movement frequency, relieving the abdominal pain and flatulence experienced with constipation.After two weeks of supplementation with kiwi fruit powder, spontaneous bowel movement is significantly higher compared to placebo.

Kiwi fruit extract helps relieve constipation

Another trial investigated whether a low dose (1000mg/day) of an extract from kiwi fruit (Digesten®) taken once daily could alleviate constipation. Consumption of the low dose of Digesten® Kiwi fruit extract increased bowel movements from a pre-trial mean of 2.3 movements per week to 4.5 per week and this frequency of movements was maintained for the duration of the trial. The placebo also increased bowel movements to a similar level but showed a drop off in effect over the duration of the trial.

Digesten® Kiwifruit improves regularity in people with constipation.

Another study demonstrated that an increase in dietary fibre from kiwi fruit improved constipation in over 50% of subjects leading to a decrease in use of laxatives. A study conducted on the elderly showed that consumption of kiwi fruit daily subjects for three weeks resulted in heavier, softer stools as well as more frequent bowel movements. This outcome was believed to be due to the fibre content of kiwi fruit.

Finally, a systematic review with meta-analysis assessed the effect of dietary consumption of kiwifruit on constipation and intestinal function. Nine clinical trials were included each that had 20-79 18 - 65- year-old participants. On average the participants ate between 2 - 4 kiwifruits a day over the duration of three days to four weeks. Evidence from the studies suggested that dietary consumption of kiwifruit significantly improved the frequency of complete bowel movements per week and decreased stool consistency in healthy subjects and those with constipation due to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The studies suggest that the effect could be due to the high fibre content of kiwifruits, their consumption has also shown to include benefits on intestinal motility, including mild anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects on the gut barrier that may be due to the combination of enzymes, vitamins and minerals in kiwifruits. In summary, this research outlines the potential beneficial use of kiwifruit for improving intestinal motility and IBS related constipation.

Aloe Vera was first used traditionally in India for the treatment of constipation. A study using an aloe vera preparation in constipated subjects for 28 days demonstrated that compared to placebo it improved bowel movement frequency, softened stools and reduced laxative dependence.

Research on fructooligosaccharides (FOS) as a dietary soluble fibre and prebiotic has shown it to relieve constipation. In a study on elderly men, FOS given daily for 30 days compared to those on a low fibre diet showed reduced constipation and increased weight of stools. In another placebo- controlled study using yacon, a root crop which contains very high levels of FOS, it was concluded that a daily intake of FOS for two weeks accelerated gut transit time, highlighting the potential benefits for constipated individuals.

• Can KiwiZyme help with IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME ?

• A study in people with constipation predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C) found that daily consumption of fresh kiwi fruit for just four weeks resulted in significantly decreased colon transit time, increased defecation frequency and bowel function in patients with irritable bowel syndrome, helping to reduce symptoms.

  More recently, a study has shown that consumption of Aloe vera for eight weeks significantly reduced abdominal pain and discomfort as well as flatulence in patients with constipation predominant IBS that was not improving with other treatments.

A study in people with constipation predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C) found that daily consumption of fresh kiwi fruit for just four weeks resulted in significantly decreased colon transit time, increased defecation frequency and bowel function in patients with irritable bowel syndrome, helping to reduce symptoms.

More recently, a study has shown that consumption of Aloe vera for eight weeks significantly reduced abdominal pain and discomfort as well as flatulence in patients with constipation predominant IBS that was not improving with other treatments.

• IMPROVED INTESTINAL MICROFLORA

• Kiwi fruit, Aloe vera and FOS exhibit prebiotic effects that leads to improved intestinal microflora. Subjects given dried kiwi fruit powder for four days had improved intestinal microflora reported through increased faecal levels of lactobacilli and bifidobacterium.

Digesten® kiwifruit increases good gut flora

As a prebiotic, FOS supplementation has also demonstrated improved intestinal microflora. A study on elderly subjects investigated the impact of FOS supplementation on intestinal microflora. Results showed that after only two weeks of supplementation, bifidobacteria levels in faeces increased tenfold compared to levels at the start of the study. This finding was also supported in another study looking at younger, healthy volunteers, whereby supplementation of FOS at a range of different intakes showed a significant increase in bifidobacterium numbers at all levels, as well as the additional benefit of increased stool frequency and softness.

There is also promising in vitro studies to suggest that aloe vera juice may also help to improve gut microflora, as it has been shown to promote the growth of certain beneficial bacteria including L. acidophilus, L. plantarum, L. casei20 and Bifidobacterium infantis.

KiwiZyme Dosage:

One to two capsules with food once daily (best taken at breakfast).May be increased to four capsules once daily if required, or as recommended by a healthcare professional.

Children from 8-12 years, take one to two capsules once daily. Not recommended for children under 8 years.

What is KiwiZyme used for?

Constipation, Laxative dependence, Infrequent bowel movements, Hard stools, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), General digestive health, and to Improve intestinal bacteria.

Known contraindications:

Avoid if known kiwi fruit or citrus allergy.

Pregnancy and breast feeding: Based on a long history of food use, kiwi fruit and aloe vera are safe for use during pregnancy and breast feeding.

What products can be taken alongside KiwiZyme?

Digestive Aids & Probiotics, fibre, peppermint, Betaine HCl, digestive enzymes, glutamine, licorice, Oregon grape root, grapefruit seed extract, Aloe pura aloe vera juice, Caprylic acid and high fibre foods. 



Directions: As a food supplement take one to two capsules daily. May be increased to four capsules daily if required, or as recommended by your healthcare professional.

One capsule provides: