Warning About 'Fat-Burner' Substances Containing DNP
Urgent advice has been issued by the Food Standards Agency to the public, and to people in the bodybuilding community in particular, following the deaths of two people believed to have taken a ‘fat-burner’ substance in tablet or powder form.
The substance contains DNP (2, 4-dinitrophenol), an industrial chemical known to have serious short-term and long-term effects, which can be extremely dangerous to human health.
2,4-Dinitrophenol is used in the manufacture of dyes, wood preservatives, and as a pesticide.
One website even tells you how to make your own DNP, but has this detailed information which should put anyone off knowingly digesting it:
"Dinitrophenol is a very stable high explosive similar to TNT. There are several isomers of dinitrophenol, but the most useful and easiest to make is 2,4-dinitrophenol.
Dinitrophenol is rarely used alone as an explosive, but rather it is used in compositions with other high explosives, mostly for shells. While more stable than TNT it has a lower detonation velocity.
Dinitrophenol is also an extremely deadly compound. It can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin. It raises the body temperature and will kill you.
This interesting side effect is due to a massive increase in metabolism that forces the body to burn fat. For this reason it was the first prescribed drug for obesity starting in the 1930’s, but was banned shortly thereafter.
It made a resurgence in the 1990’s among body builders, and is still used today.
The problem is because it raises metabolism so much your body produces an excessive amount of heat, and this is what kills you.
Dinitrophenol is also a pesticide and a fungicide sold under the trade name Chemox PE. It is most often used to control citrus red mites. Various dinitrophenol derivatives have been made, but are all banned due to mutagenic properties on fetuses."
The Food Standards Agency is therefore advising consumers not to take any product containing DNP at any level. This chemical is not suitable for human consumption.
The 'fat-burner' capsules containing DNP appear to be marketed primarily at the bodybuilding community as a way of losing excess fat.
Labelling on products containing DNP may vary, but consumers should avoid any product described as containing DNP or 2, 4-Dinitrophenol.
Depending on the amount consumed, signs of acute poisoning could include nausea, vomiting, restlessness, flushed skin, sweating, dizziness, headaches, rapid respiration and irregular heart-beat, possibly leading to coma and death. Consuming lower amounts over longer periods could lead to cataracts and skin lesions and effects on the heart, blood and nervous system.
Anyone who believes they may have taken DNP should seek medical advice immediately.
An investigation into one of the deaths is being carried out by Thames Valley Police.
Any information that may assist them in their current investigations should be provided by calling 01865 841 148 and quoting reference GH4139182/12, or by calling Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
For further information about DNP go to this website
Source: FSA / unionsafety / epa.gov / ironden
