Livaux Organic Gold Kiwifruit Powder
Also known as: Gold kiwifruit powder, Livaux®, Kiwifruit powder, Actinidia chinensis
Overview
Livaux Organic Gold Kiwifruit Powder is derived from the non-GMO gold kiwifruit (*Actinidia chinensis*) and produced in New Zealand. This supplement is rich in dietary fiber, particularly low fermentable pectin, and contains polyphenolic compounds, which contribute to its health-promoting properties. It's primarily used to enhance gut health by cultivating beneficial bacteria, specifically increasing *Faecalibacterium prausnitzii* abundances while addressing functional constipation. Key components include both soluble and insoluble fibers, vitamins C and E, and bioactive compounds that support gastrointestinal function. Moderate to high-quality clinical research underpins its efficacy, particularly for improving gut microbiota and alleviating symptoms related to constipation.
Benefits
1. **Increased Defecation Frequency**: Research indicates that kiwifruit supplementation significantly boosts defecation frequency by a weighted mean difference (WMD) of 0.07. A meta-analysis confirms consistent findings across studies (p = 0.0008). 2. **Improved Gut Microbiota**: In functionally constipated individuals, Livaux® has shown to boost *Faecalibacterium prausnitzii* from 3.4% to 7.0% (p = 0.024). 3. **Reduced Stool Consistency**: Moderate evidence suggests that kiwifruit consumption improves stool consistency. 4. **Enhanced Quality of Life**: Users report significant improvements in their life quality following supplementation. These benefits particularly affect functionally constipated individuals, evidenced through diverse population-based studies, with clinically significant impacts observed within intervention periods of three days to four weeks.
How it works
Livaux® functions as a prebiotic, enhancing the growth of beneficial gut bacteria via fermentation of its soluble fiber, primarily pectin. This fermentation increases the abundance of *Faecalibacterium prausnitzii*, which plays a crucial role in gut health. The insoluble fiber augments stool bulk and accelerates waste passage, while the soluble fiber gels that ferment slowly contribute to a reduction in constipation without causing excessive gas production. Bioactive compounds operate through modulation of the gut microbiome and provide antioxidant effects, further promoting gastrointestinal wellness.
Side effects
Livaux® is generally regarded as safe with no significant adverse effects found in clinical research. Common side effects are not reported (>5%), while mild gastrointestinal symptoms, such as bloating, may occur but are typically well-tolerated due to the gradual fermentation of pectin. No rare side effects (<1%) have been identified. While there is no evidence of serious drug interactions, caution is advised when co-administering with other fiber supplements or laxatives. Individuals with severe gastrointestinal disorders should consult a healthcare provider prior to use, and special populations like pregnant or breastfeeding women should seek medical advice when considering this supplement to ensure safety.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose of Livaux® is established at 600 mg daily, sufficient for improving *Faecalibacterium prausnitzii* levels and supporting gut microbiota diversity. Optimal dosing ranges from 600 mg up to 2400 mg daily, with the former being sufficient for basic benefits. There is currently no defined maximum safe dose, yet research on doses above 2400 mg is limited. For optimal tolerability, it is recommended to take the powder with meals, and it can be mixed into various foods or beverages. Since the active compounds are fermented in the colon, upper GI tract absorption is not necessary.
FAQs
Is Livaux® safe to use?
Yes, Livaux® is considered safe for most individuals, but medical guidance is recommended for those with underlying health conditions.
When should I take Livaux®?
Livaux can be taken at any time but is preferably consumed with meals to enhance tolerance and digestion.
What results can I expect from using Livaux®?
Users typically experience increased defecation frequency and an improvement in gut microbiota composition, particularly a rise in *F. prausnitzii*.
Is Livaux® a probiotic?
No, Livaux® is a prebiotic that supports the growth of existing beneficial bacteria rather than introducing new strains.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29152256/ – This randomized cross-over trial demonstrated that supplementation with Livaux® gold kiwifruit significantly increased *Faecalibacterium prausnitzii* in individuals with functional constipation, supporting its role in improving gut microbiome health.
- https://biomedpharmajournal.org/vol17no2/a-systematic-review-and-meta-analysis-of-kiwifruits-impact-on-functional-constipation/ – A systematic review and meta-analysis confirming that kiwifruit supplementation notably increased defecation frequency among 175 participants with functional constipation, establishing its clinical significance.
- https://livaux.com – Livaux® provides an overview of their gold kiwifruit powder supplementation and highlights its health benefits, mechanisms, and research backing.
- https://www.mdpi.com/2673-9879/1/1/3 – This compilation of clinical studies indicates that Livaux® significantly enhances *Faecalibacterium prausnitzii* levels and overall gut microbiota composition, alongside improvements in participant quality of life.