4 November 2012
Study: Kiwifruit Recommended to Boost Dietary Vitamin C
November is 5+ A Day month and scientists believe kiwifruit should be a consumer’s first choice when boosting fresh
fruit and vegetable intake.
New international research, just published in the Journal of Nutritional Science, shows even a recommended dietary intake of fruits and vegetables can result in vitamin C levels well below optimum, if
the foods eaten do not include a high vitamin C source.
The report suggests food sources with high vitamin C content, such as kiwifruit, should be the cornerstone of a healthy
diet. The research reveals a single kiwifruit each day achieves “healthy” vitamin C levels, while two kiwifruit a day
ensure “optimal” vitamin C levels.
The key research author, Associate Professor Margreet Vissers of Otago University, says most other fruit and vegetables
contain much less vitamin C per serve, whereas one kiwifruit delivers the full Recommended Daily Allowance and will
contribute more vitamin C than an orange.
There is a critical need for vitamin C in the diet.
“Vitamin C is an essential nutrient which is critical for maintaining many aspects of our health and kiwifruit is an
outstanding source of dietary vitamin C,” Professor Vissers says.
Kiwifruit is known as one of the most nutritious of all common fruits, combining high levels of vitamin C, fibre, folate
and potassium to produce unrivalled nutrient adequacy.
Professor Vissers says: “Our study shows, quite simply, that 5+ A Day will not deliver adequate vitamin C unless at
least one of those sources is a high-value food like kiwifruit. Therefore, when selecting your 5+ A Day, kiwifruit
should be the first fruit on your list”.
ends