DNP Alert for Gyms, Fitness Club Managers and Trainers

Wrexham Public Protection Service and the Food Standards Agency are urging gyms, fitness trainers and the public to be aware of the dangers of DNP and to be vigilant of the use of food supplements and powders that claim to burn fat and may contain 2,4 Dinitrophenol (DNP).

DNP is an industrial chemical, known to have serious short-term and long-term effects, which can be extremely dangerous to human health. It is not fit for human consumption and cannot be sold legally as a food.

The Food Standards Agency is advising the public not to take any product containing DNP, at any level.

Products containing DNP, in tablet, capsule or powder form, appear to be marketed primarily at the bodybuilding community as a way of losing excess fat.

The substance has been linked to a number of deaths in the past five years.

Signs of acute poisoning include fever, dehydration, nausea, vomiting, restlessness, flushed skin, sweating, dizziness, headaches, rapid respiration and rapid or irregular heart-beat, possibly leading to coma and death, depending on the amount consumed. Consuming lower amounts over longer periods could lead to cataracts and skin lesions and affect the heart, blood and nervous system.

Labelling on products containing DNP may vary, and we urge you to check your product labelling and contact Wrexham Public Protection Service on 01978 292045 if any are labelled as containing DNP or 2, 4-Dinitrophenol, or using statements such as containing ‘100% caffeine’, ‘fat burner’ or ‘boosts muscle growth’.

Anyone who believes they may have taken DNP should seek medical advice immediately.