SAN DIEGO — IM HealthScience (IMH) has launched FDgard, a nonprescription medical food for the dietary management of functional dyspepsia (FD), or persistent or recurring indigestion.

IMH said Monday that FDgard is now available in the digestive aisle at most CVS/pharmacy and Walgreens stores nationwide.

A relatively common and often frustrating medical condition, FD occurs when the digestion and absorption of food nutrients may be disrupted, according to IMH. The condition is characterized by symptoms of upper abdominal pain or discomfort, early fullness with a meal, nausea, belching and bloating with no known organic cause. FD is a disorder of sensation and movement in the organs of the upper digestive tract, where the normal downward pumping and squeezing is altered, the company said. One in six U.S. adults suffer from FD, and the cause of the condition is unknown.

IMH noted that FDgard addresses an unmet medical need for products to help in managing FD and its symptoms, since currently there are no options for doctors and patients to manage FD.

FDgard capsules contain caraway oil and l-Menthol, the chief component in peppermint oil, for the dietary management of FD. The product’s patented Site Specific Targeting (SST) technology release individually triple-coated microspheres of caraway oil and l-Menthol quickly and reliably where they are needed most in FD, the upper belly, the company explained.

The l-Menthol helps with smooth muscle relaxation, while the caraway oil helps neutralize the effect of gastric acid on the stomach wall and normalize gall bladder function, as well as deliver promotility and analgesic action in the small intestine (duodenum) and stomach. Along with caraway oil and l-Menthol, FDgard also provides fiber and protein.

“The gastroenterologists who have heard of FDgard welcome its arrival and look forward to helping their FD patients with this new option,” stated Michael Epstein, a leading gastroenterologist and chief medical advisor for IMH. “A strong body of science supports this combination product.”

The usual adult dose of FDgard is two capsules as needed up to twice a day, not to exceed six capsules per day. Though FDgard doesn’t require a prescription, it must be used under medical supervision, IMH said. The company reported that approximately 30% of adults suffer from dyspepsia, and about half are estimated to have FD, or non-ulcer dyspepsia.