Nestlé Health Science, a wholly owned subsidiary of Glendale, Calif.-based Nestlé USA, introduced ProNourish, a product specifically designed and marketed to be low in fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAPs) for people with digestive sensitivities, the company says.

ProNourish is a nutritional drink that helps make following a low FODMAP diet easier, whether at home or on-the-go, it adds. Packaged in 8-ounce bottles, ProNourish is offered in two flavors: French Vanilla and Strawberry Banana.

FODMAPs are types of short-chain carbohydrates that can be poorly absorbed in the small intestine, resulting in severe abdominal pain, bloating, constipation and/or diarrhea and excess gas in some people, the company says. Research shows that a diet low in FODMAPs can significantly reduce symptoms of digestive discomfort for some people living with digestive sensitivities. The efficacy of the low FODMAP diet is supported by more than 30 clinical studies, it adds.

"Meal and snack time can be filled with anxiety for many patients because they experience gastrointestinal symptoms after eating certain foods such as those that are high in FODMAPs," said Travis Stork, a spokesperson for ProNourish, in a statement. "I recommend ProNourish drink as part of a low-FODMAP diet so patients can enjoy a mini-meal or snack without worry."

ProNourish drinks feature the TruComfort Digestive Care Blend with ingredients carefully selected to be low in FODMAPs, including 3 grams of low-FODMAP fiber to support digestive health, the company says.

ProNourish drinks also are suitable for people with gluten sensitivity, celiac disease or people who are lactose intolerant. The drinks are not suitable for individuals with galactosemia, it adds.

"Often times, people with digestive sensitivities avoid all foods and food categories that give them discomfort, or even fear of discomfort, which can unintentionally impact their nutritional intake," said Barbara McCartney, regional business head for Nestlé Health Science Consumer Care in North America. "With our new ProNourish low-FODMAP nutritional drink, we are providing a trusted source of nutrition that can be enjoyed, knowing that it has been tested and certified to be low in FODMAPs by Monash University (Australia)."

ProNourish drinks are available at grocery stores or pharmacies nationwide or can be purchased online at the Nestle Nutrition Store.

Additionally, Nestlé Health Science recently launched www.LowFODMAPcentral.com, an online resource to support consumers and healthcare professionals, it says.