FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Nestlé Health Science has introduced ProNourish, a nutritional drink described as the first nationally distributed product of its kind to be low in FODMAPs for people with digestive sensitivities.

FODMAP (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols) categorizes certain short-chain carbohydrates that can be poorly absorbed in the small intestine, causing severe abdominal pain, bloating, constipation and/or diarrhea and excess gas in some people. Nestlé said research shows that a low-FODMAP diet can significantly reduce symptoms of digestive discomfort for some people living with digestive sensitivities.

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

Nestlé noted that the effectiveness of a diet low in FODMAP is backed by more than 30 clinical studies, and ProNourish provides a tasty option for making that type of diet easier, whether at home or on-the-go.

“Oftentimes, 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,” stated 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].”

People with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, as well as lactose intolerance, also can drink ProNourish, though the product isn’t suitable for individuals with galactosemia, Nestlé said.

“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,” explained Travis Stork, M.D., spokesman for ProNourish. “I recommend ProNourish drink as part of a low-FODMAP diet so patients can enjoy a mini-meal or snack without worry.”

Each 8-oz. ProNourish drink, with only 170 calories and 6 grams of sugar, contains 15 grams of high-quality protein, 3 grams of low-FODMAP fiber, and 25 essential vitamins and mineral. The product comes in French vanilla and strawberry banana flavors and has no sugar alcohols, fructooligosaccharides, inulin, high-fructose corn syrup or gluten.

ProNourish drinks can be found in the nutritional drink section, within diet management aisle, at supermarkets and pharmacies nationwide. Nestlé added that the new product follows the launch of LowFODMAPcentral.com, an online resource developed by Nestlé Health Science to support consumers seeking more information about FODMAPs and health care professionals looking to build knowledge and practice tools.