INC-Funded Study Finds Dried Fruit May Help Ease Chronic Constipation

90 grams of dried fruit daily led to significant increases in complete bowel movements

Results from an INC-funded study were presented at the Digestive Disease Week conference, held in San Diego, California (USA) on May 3-6, 2025.

The study was a randomized, placebo-controlled, food intervention trial that investigated the impact of dried fruit, fruit juice, and a fruit-flavored placebo on symptoms of constipation. A total of 150 participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: a group that ate 90 grams daily of dried fruit (prunes, raisins, and dried apricots); a group that consumed juice from the same fruits; and a group that consumed a fruit-flavored placebo.

The researchers calculated the change in stool weight based on seven-day total stool collection. They also looked at stool consistency and frequency, gastrointestinal symptoms, constipation symptoms, quality of life, and gut microbiome.

The findings showed significant differences in stool weight between the groups, with significantly greater increases following dried fruit consumption compared to placebo. There were also significantly greater increases in complete bowel movements and complete spontaneous bowel movements in the dried fruit group. Greater improvements in quality of life were also found in the dried fruit group as compared to placebo.

The study is the largest clinical trial to date to show that eating dried fruit benefits people living with constipation. It provides further evidence supporting the advice to include dried fruits in the diet as a means of managing constipation.