A new study proves that adults with low levels of vitamin C can improve their sense of vitality with the daily intake of Kiwifruit. Results can be seen in just two weeks, according to research.
A total of 167 people between 18 and 35 years of age participated in the study carried out by scientists from the University of Otago (New Zealand) that sought to understand whether increasing the consumption of vitamin C, either through fruits or tablets, it can enhance the sense of vitality or “Joy of living”.
The volunteers, who had low baseline levels of vitamin C at the start of the study, were randomly divided into three groups. For four weeks, the members of the first group consumed two Sungold kiwis, a fruit exceptionally rich in vitamin C, daily. Those in the second group given vitamin C tablets with an equivalent dose (250 mg) and those in the third group took a placebo.
The results showed that vitamin C levels in both the group that consumed kiwis and the group that took vitamin C tablets rose to their normal level within two weeks. No placebo effect was recorded. However, additional vitality benefits were reported by the group that ate the fruit.
According to Tamlin Conner, lead author of the study, volunteers who ingested kiwi reported a decrease in fatigue, improved mood and well-being. The tablets had similar results only in those with consistently low levels of vitamin C prior to intervention.
“Interestingly, the benefits from consuming kiwifruit emerged in just 2 weeks,” Conner said, quoted in a statement from the University of Otago.
Conner added that by raising vitamin C levels through the consumption of foods like kiwis, people can obtain other active ingredients that will benefit health in other ways.
“Kiwis have numerous additional vitamins and minerals that maintain health and are also rich in dietary fiber, which is beneficial to the gut. There are important links between the gut and mood regulation. This might explain why kiwis benefit mood more than vitamin C tablets,” she explained.
“kiwifruit has numerous additional vitamins and minerals that support health and are also high in dietary fibre, which is beneficial to the gut. There are important links between the gut and the regulation of mood. This could account for why kiwifruit benefited mood more than vitamin C tablets,” explained the scientist.