Essentiale forte N (Compound N)

Description:

Essentiale forte N is the trade name for a liver-support supplement distributed in Europe by Aventis Pharma. While this is regarded as a medication in some regions, it actually contains a selection of natural vitamins and phospholipids. Likewise, in many areas, including the United States, Essentiale forte N is sold over the counter. The product specifically contains a complex of B vitamins, vitamin E, and phospholipid forms of linoleic, linolinec, and oleic acid. Essentiale forte N is used widely in Europe to treat cases of hepatic dysfunction, such as those caused by chronic infection, allergy, drug toxicity, or other disease. Essential forte N is of interest to steroid using bodybuilders and athletes for its ability to reduce the level of liver strain caused by anabolic/androgenic steroids (particularly those compounds that are c-17 alpha alkylated).

The main mechanism of action with Essential forte N appears to be focused on the supply of antioxidants and building blocks necessary for the repair of damaged cells. This product contains mainly polyunsaturated phospholipids (mostly phosphatidylcholine), and a complex of B and E vitamins. Phosphatidylcholine is identified as a membrane lipid, and is a key component of the Essential forte N formula. This phospholipid is important to the integrity of cells, adding both flexibility and strength. Phosphatidylcholine has long been identified as an important supplement for the liver, supporting normal hepatic fat metabolism and overall liver health. It is also believed to be an important antioxidant for liver and pancreatic wellness. The additional vitamins in the Essential forte N formula are likely included to increase the antioxidant and regenerative properties of the medication.

Essentiale forte N was the first product shown to mitigate the hepatotoxic effects of anabolic steroid use in a clinical study.1 The investigation looked at the effects of steroid abuse (with or without Essential forte N), and compared them to controls (nonsteroid-using subjects). A full panel of liver enzymes was used to determine the level of relative hepatic strain. As expected, the steroid-only group noticed a significant elevation in liver enzymes that were well above the normal range. Liver enzymes were also elevated in the steroid users taking Essential forte N, however, they were similar to controls and remained within the normal range. The researchers concluded:“The positive association of the abuse severity with the increased hepatic enzymes’ levels suggest a relationship between abused AAS and nepatic cell damage. However, when AAS were taken with Essentiale forte N], … the hepatotoxic effect appears to be attenuated.’ While this one study does not assure that

steroid liver toxicity can be completely eliminated, it does lend strong support for the use of Essential forte N with hepatotoxic anabolic steroids.

History:

Essentiale forte N has been sold in Western and Eastern Europe for many years, where it is distributed by Aventis (formerly RhonePoulenc Rorer). This compound has been approved for the treatment of hepatic liver steatosis and other hepatic dysfunction. European bodybuilders have used this medication for years owing to its understood general value with regard to liver health. It did not catch the attention of athletes in the United States and Canada until 2008, however, when the investigation into its effects with steroid abusers was published in the Clinical Toxicology journal. Since then, this natural medication has been noting increased popularity with North American consumers.

How Supplied:

Essentiale forte N is supplied in soft gelatin capsules containing vitamin B1 (6mg), vitamin B2 (6mg), vitamin B6 (6mg), vitamin B12 (6mcg), vitamin E (6 mg), niacin (15 mg), and a phospholipid complex [polyene phosphatidylcholine] (diclyceride esters of cholinephosphoric acid and unsaturated fatty acids linoleic, linoliec, and oleic acids) (300 mg).

Side Effects:

Essential forte N is a vitamin and supplement medication and is not expected to have notable side effects.

Administration:

When used medically to treat hepatic dysfunction, the most common recommended dosage is 2 capsules 3 times daily with meals. Bodybuilders and athletes using this medication to reduce the hepatic stress of oral steroid use will typically follow the same medical prescribing guidelines, and will taken the product for as long as the hepatotoxic steroids are administered.

Availability:

Essential forte N is widely available in Europe. It is a relatively inexpensive supplement, and is not a high interest target of counterfeit manufacturing operations.

1 Multivitamins and phospholipids complex protects the hepatic cells from androgenic-anabolic-steroids-induced toxicity. Pagonis TA, Koukoulis GN, Hadjichristodoulou CS, Toli PN, Angelopoulos NV. Clinical Toxicol (2008) 46,57-66.