J Hum Nutr Diet

Kiwi, rye bread, and magnesium supplements top recommendations in new U.K. constipation guidelines

October 23, 2025

These guidelines introduce several dietary interventions—such as probiotics, kiwifruit, and high-mineral water—not previously included in clinical practice. Rapid implementation is expected to improve clinical care and patient outcomes for adults with chronic constipation.

Study details: The British Dietetic Association convened a multidisciplinary expert committee to develop the first comprehensive dietary guidelines for chronic constipation in adults. Four systematic reviews and meta-analyses of 75 randomized trials informed 59 recommendation statements, using the GRADE approach and a modified Delphi consensus process.

Results: Recommendations were made for specific dietary supplements (fiber, probiotics, synbiotics, magnesium oxide, senna, kiwifruit), foods (kiwifruit, prunes, rye bread), and drinks (high mineral-containing water). No recommendations were made for whole diet approaches due to insufficient evidence. Of the 59 statements, 27 were strong and 32 were qualified recommendations; evidence levels ranged from very low to moderate.

Source:

Dimidi E, et al. (2025, October). J Hum Nutr Diet. British Dietetic Association Guidelines for the Dietary Management of Chronic Constipation in Adults. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41081513/