Beware of 2, 4-Dinitrophenol (DNP)

2, 4-Dintrophenol (DNP) is a dangerous chemical that can be sold online as a weight-loss or bodybuilding product. It is not safe for people to use and can be deadly. It has been banned for human consumption by the FDA since 1938. DNP can be sold under a variety of different names including “Chemox”, “Aldifen”, “Dnoc”, “Dinosan”, “Solfo Black”, and “Nitrophen”.  

DNP causes the body to produce heat at an unsafe rate and become unable to use energy. Even small amounts can make the body overheat, leading to serious illness, organ failure, and death. There is no antidote for DNP poisoning.

Signs of DNP poisoning may include:

  • Feeling very hot
  • Heavy sweating
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Fast breathing
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Weakness
  • Confusion or agitation
  • Yellow-tinted skin or eyes
  • High fever
  • Rapid death

If someone has taken DNP or a weight-loss product that may contain DNP, seek medical help right away. For poisoning questions or emergencies, call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222, available 24/7.

Bottom line: If a product claims to help you lose weight quickly or burn fat fast, be cautious. Any amount of DNP is not safe, and using it can be fatal.

 

 

 

Sources:

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. (2021, September 1). ToxFAQs™ for dinitrophenols. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://wwwn.cdc.gov/TSP/ToxFAQs/ToxFAQsDetails.aspx?faqid=728&toxid=132

Grundlingh, J., Dargan, P. I., El-Zanfaly, M., & Wood, D. M. (2011). 2,4-Dinitrophenol (DNP): A weight loss agent with significant acute toxicity and risk of death. Journal of Medical Toxicology, 7(3), 205-212. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13181-011-0162-6

Holborow, A., Purnell, R. M., & Wong, J. F. (2016). Beware the yellow slimming pill: Fatal 2,4-dinitrophenol overdose. BMJ Case Reports, 2016, bcr2016214689. https://doi.org/10.1136/bcr-2016-214689

Operation Supplement Safety. (2022, March 7). DNP: Is it really all that dangerous? https://www.opss.org/article/dnp-it-really-all-dangerous

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2000, January). 2,4-dinitrophenol (CASRN 51-28-5). https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2016-09/documents/2-4-dinitrophenol.pdf