Warning about 'fat-burner' substances containing DNP
DNP (2, 4-dinitrophenol) is an industrial chemical known to have serious short-term and long-term effects, which can be extremely dangerous to human health.
The substance, which comes in either a capsule or powder form, is sold as a food supplement promoted as an ideal 'fat burner' or for effective weight loss. The product is used by the general public, but the bodybuilding community is particularly at risk.
Often times, the chemical DNP originates from outside the EU and affected products don't always identify DNP in the labelling information
Depending on the amount consumed, signs of acute poisoning can include:
- fever
- dehydration
- nausea
- vomiting
- restlessness
- flushed skin
- sweating
- dizziness
- headaches
- rapid respiration
- rapid or irregular heart-beat (possibly leading to coma and death)
Consuming lower amounts of DNP over longer periods can lead to cataracts and skin lesions and affect the heart, blood and nervous system
Further guidance can be found at the Food Standards Agency website.
Page last updated: 11 June 2020
