Contains: Vitamins B, E and PP, Linoleic, Linolenic and Oleic Acids. 

This is a very unique product in that it presents a vitamin and essential fatty acid supplement in the form of an injectable compound (although a tablet form is also available). The vitamins and fatty acids function synergistically to assist in the removal of fatty deposits in the liver, thereby helping to maintain normal liver function.

B vitamins are essential when it comes to metabolism and cell growth and, as water soluble vitamins, they need to be replaced daily. Vitamin E is a valuable antioxidant, which is known to reduce the effects of free radicals on the body. When it comes to fatty acids, although the fatty acids presented here are added for their liver protecting properties, their importance in the process of muscle growth cannot be ignored. In fact, a deficiency of any of the essential fatty acids will result in a decrease in muscle growth and repair.

When muscle cells are broken down due to weight training it is not just the internal protein content that is affected, the fatty cell membrane (comprised of essential fatty acids) also needs to be repaired. The failure to ingest adequate EFA’s along with protein will seriously impair the growth process. With this in mind, ‘Essentiale Forte N’ not only serves as a valuable product to assist in the optimum function of your liver, it also has the added benefit of assisting cellular renewal and growth.

The Linoleic, Linolenic and Oleic acids (also known as omega 3, 6 and 9 respectively) also contribute to hormone production and – in the case of Oleic acid – may present the added benefit of increasing metabolic rate.

‘Essentiale Forte N’ is normally used for the treatment of:

• Hepatic Steatosis
• Acute and chronic hepatitis
• Cirrhosis
• Liver cytoclasis
• Hepatic coma and pre-coma, toxic liver effects
• Psoriasis, neurodermatitus

That being said, it is easy to see that it is a very interesting product to consider adding to any supplement schedule that may compromise the liver (e.g. the use of c-17 alpha-alkylated drugs).

It is also a safe, natural product to use in terms of general health. The only side effect associated with its use seems to be gastric upset. Having said that, it seems that this effect is only experienced by those taking high doses (which is true for most supplements anyway)

You can find out more about this supplement by going to www.napsgear.net

Leigh Penman, in addition to be a staff writer at MuscleSport Mag, has been writing for bodybuilding magazines, websites and nutritional supplement companies since 1985. Whilst residing in the UK, she earned the reputation of being one of the top female writers in bodybuilding-related media. Her credits included being a contributing editor on all the magazines in production as well as filling the shoes of Ladies Editor and Showbiz Editor on two publications (the later being on Arnold’s sanctioned magazine, ‘Bodypower’). During this time she also competed successfully on four occasions (placing in the top four in all contests).

Relocating to New York in the late 1990s she focused her writing attention to crystal healing techniques and metaphysics – however, she still maintained a five day workout schedule during this time and gained her personal training certificate.

Having also studied pharmacology in relation to sports performance, her writing began taking her in that direction until the present day which sees her embarking on a return to the magazine world, as well as extending her web-related work in the bodybuilding and fitness field.

Leigh has been working out for close to thirty years so she is clearly a writer who ‘walks her talk.’

She can be contacted personally at zeal2heal@yahoo.com. 

Welcome to the first part of a comprehensive series that will take an in- depth look at various issues surrounding steroids and steroid use. In this on-going series we will cover such issues as liver function, thyroid function, insulin use (for non diabetic trainers), steroids and women, Clenbuterol use, testosterone esters in depth, counterfeit steroids, frequently asked questions etc. We will also take a closer look at mass building drugs, cutting drugs and anti-estrogens.

All in all, this is going to be a pretty comprehensive series! So let’s get started with a lesson in:

BASIC PHARMACOLOGY

Anabolic Steroids are derivatives of the male hormone testosterone and, as such, they exert their effects on many testosterone sensitive tissues within the body. This includes reproductive tissues, muscle, bone, hair follicles, liver, kidneys , white and red blood cells and brain. These effects fall under two classifications:

• ANABOLIC – Promoting muscle growth
• ANDROGENIC – Promoting the development of masculine characteristics

Of primary interest to the athlete of course is the anabolic effect. Testosterone is the primary hormone involved in muscle growth. Put simply, testosterone enters the inside of the muscle cell where it binds with an androgen receptor. It then continues its journey until it reaches the nucleus of the cell. On arrival at this destination the ‘dynamic duo’ turn on or off specific segments within the DNA in order to trigger muscle growth.
In addition to triggering muscle growth, anabolic steroids also prevent muscle breakdown (catabolism) by inhibiting the action of cortisol and other glucocorticoids, which are known for their catabolic effect.

CHEMISTRY

In order to exert maximum effects in the body anabolic steroids need to be chemically altered. When testosterone itself is taken orally it is swiftly broken down and eliminated by enzymes present in the intestines and the liver. In the case of steroids, a process known as 17a-alkylation has structurally altered most oral products, this protects the steroid from being destroyed by these enzymes. This 17a-alkylation, whilst good on paper, does unfortunately result in most oral drugs being harsh on the liver. It also causes negative changes in HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol). The advice here would be to ensure that, whilst taking oral steroids, it is wise to include some form of liver protection e.g. Legalon available from www.maximedicine.com.

Oral anabolics are often preferred by drug-tested athletes due to their short clearing time (i.e. the amount of time they are detectable in the system).
In the case of injectable steroids, these are naturally produced androgens (testosterone, nortestosterone, boldenone) bound to a fatty acid by an ester bond at the 17-carbon. This serves, not to protect the substance against enzymes (like the 17a-alkylation) but to increase the amount of time the steroid remains in an oil globule, following injection, before it enters the circulation.

On entering the bloodstream, the fatty acid is split off by enzymes called esterazes. In the case of a long fatty acid this results in a slow release of the steroid over a course of days or weeks.

THE ESTROGEN FACTOR

Many of you will already be familiar with a process known as ‘aromatization’. This is a process by which testosterone is converted into estrogen. Most bodybuilders try to avoid estrogen conversion by taking anti-estrogen drugs such as Arimadex. Arimadex exerts its effect by neutralizing the aromatase enzyme. When you take aromatase out of the equation testosterone can no longer be converted to estrogen. This assists in the reduction of estrogen dependent fat deposition, water retention and gynecomastia (the growth of breast tissue in males).

However, before you go crazy with aromatase inhibitors and anti-estrogens (e.g. Nolvadex) do remember that too little estrogen can slow muscle growth, suppress HDL (good) cholesterol and kill sex drive. Therefore, the key to using these substances is to take them in moderation so that you blunt estrogens effects without removing it completely from your system.

IN SUMMARY

The undisputed fact of the matter is that anabolic steroids are immensely popular with not only professional and recreational athletes, but also those individuals just wishing to improve their performance and overall quality of life. Knowing how they work, how to safely use them and how to protect your health during and after use is vital not only to your success but also to your overall health. There is no denying their effectiveness but there is also no denying the side effects that can result from their abuse/misuse. It is for that reason that, here at Muscle sport, our aim is to educate rather than condemn those who decide to integrate these substances into their fitness regime. So, that said, stay tuned to this spot for much more from the ‘Steroid Insider’ over the following months.

Leigh Penman, in addition to be a staff writer at MuscleSport Mag, has been writing for bodybuilding magazines, websites and nutritional supplement companies since 1985. Whilst residing in the UK, she earned the reputation of being one of the top female writers in bodybuilding-related media. Her credits included being a contributing editor on all the magazines in production as well as filling the shoes of Ladies Editor and Showbiz Editor on two publications (the later being on Arnold’s sanctioned magazine, ‘Bodypower’). During this time she also competed successfully on four occasions (placing in the top four in all contests).

Relocating to New York in the late 1990s she focused her writing attention to crystal healing techniques and metaphysics – however, she still maintained a five day workout schedule during this time and gained her personal training certificate.