Systematic review: the effect of prunes on gastrointestinal function

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Nutrition Science
• Clinical Research

Background:

• Prunes, or dried plums, are recognized for their high fiber content.
• They are commonly believed to support healthy gastrointestinal (GI) function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the impact of prunes on GI function.
• To assess the efficacy of prunes in managing constipation and influencing bowel regularity.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was conducted across sixteen electronic databases, supplemented by a hand search and expert consultation.
• Four RCTs met the inclusion criteria, examining the effects of prunes in both constipated and non-constipated populations.
• Data extraction and risk of bias assessment were performed independently by two reviewers.

Main Results:

• In constipated subjects, daily prune consumption (100 g) for 3 weeks significantly improved stool frequency and consistency compared to psyllium.
• In non-constipated subjects, prunes demonstrated a positive effect on stool consistency in one trial and increased stool weight in another compared to controls.
• No significant differences in general GI symptoms were observed between prunes and comparator treatments across the included studies.

Conclusions:

• Prunes show potential as a superior intervention to psyllium for improving stool frequency and consistency in constipation.
• The evidence supporting prune consumption for other GI outcomes or in non-constipated individuals is currently weak.
• Further high-quality research is necessary to confirm the benefits of prunes for constipation management and increasing stool weight.