Consumption of vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables is emerging as a recommendation for the prevention and treatment of depression and anxiety. This review sought to examine literature investigating the role of kiwifruit in supporting psychological well-being in adult populations through increased vitamin C intake. The literature search using CINAHL, Embase and PubMed databases was restricted to English-language articles published from 2005 through July 2022. Inclusion criteria were randomized trials that delivered kiwifruit interventions to adult populations assessing psychological well-being. Studies were assessed for bias using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tool for randomized controlled trials. The literature search identified two eligible trials involving 202 participants that delivered gold kiwifruit interventions and evaluated aspects of psychological well-being (e.g., mood disturbance, vitality, vigour, depression). Daily consumption of two gold kiwifruit was associated with significant reductions in mood disturbance and fatigue, and significant increases in well-being and vigour. Larger effects were observed in participants with higher baseline mood disturbance. Additional research involving a broader range of cohorts and isolating the effects of other micronutrients within gold kiwifruit implicated in the pathophysiology of depression is warranted. Overall, preliminary evidence suggests that daily consumption of two gold kiwifruit might improve psychological well-being in adult populations.
Keywords: kiwifruit; mood; psychological well-being; vitamin C status.