Essentiale Forte (polyenylphosphatidylcholine or PPC, with or without synergistic vitamins) is a preparation of essential phospholipids. Essentiale normalizes the metabolism of lipids and proteins, improves the detoxification function of the liver, restores the cellular structure of the liver and retards the producing of conjunctive tissue. Essentiale medications are indicated for the treatment of fatty degeneration of the liver, hepatitis (including toxic hepatitis, liver damage caused by medicines or alcohol abuse), cirrhosis of the liver, and disturbances in liver function associated with different illnesses.

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.750 The investigation looked at the effects of steroid abuse (with or without Essential forte N), and compared them to controls (non-steroid-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 hepatic 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 Rhone-Poulenc 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 choline-phosphoric acid and unsaturated fatty acids linoleic, linoliec, and oleic acids) (300 mg).

Side Effects:

Essential forte N is a natural 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.