SunGold Kiwifruit and Psychological Health (GoKiPH): A Randomised Controlled Crossover Trial

Area of Science:

• Nutritional Psychiatry
• Clinical Nutrition
• Psychological Wellbeing

Background:

• Vitamin C-rich SunGold kiwifruit linked to mood improvement in healthy individuals.
• Limited research on kiwifruit's effect on mood disturbance in adults.
• Need to investigate kiwifruit's potential for psychological wellbeing in this population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the effect of SunGold kiwifruit consumption on psychological wellbeing in adults with mild to moderate mood disturbance.
• To assess changes in mood disturbance, wellbeing, vitality, and vitamin C levels.
• To evaluate gastrointestinal symptoms during kiwifruit consumption.

Main Methods:

• Two-period, non-blinded crossover trial with 26 adults (18-60 years) experiencing mild to moderate mood disturbance.
• Participants consumed two SunGold kiwifruit daily or followed their usual diet for 4-week periods, separated by a 2-week washout.
• Primary outcome: change in total mood disturbance scores; secondary outcomes: vitamin C concentration, wellbeing, vitality, and gastrointestinal symptoms.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements observed in total mood disturbance (65.2%), wellbeing (10.5%), and vitality (17.3%) during the kiwifruit period.
• Blood plasma vitamin C concentrations increased by 27.5%, and gastrointestinal symptoms reduced by 16.2%.
• No serious adverse events were reported.

Conclusions:

• SunGold kiwifruit consumption shows potential benefits for reducing mood disturbance in adults.
• Preliminary evidence suggests kiwifruit can enhance psychological wellbeing and vitamin C levels.
• Further research in diverse populations, including clinical groups, is recommended.