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DNP, or dinitrophenol, is a toxic substance that is used in the production of ammunition or herbicides. The world heard about this substance when the illegal sale of DNP as an extremely effective fat burner began on the Internet. What exactly is DNP and what side effects can it cause?
What is DNP?
DNP is an abbreviation for the substance 2,3-dinitrophenol, the so-called oxidative phosphorylation uncoupler. This substance is an organic chemical compound belonging to the group of phenols with the chemical formula C6H4N2O5. Knowledge about this substance is very limited, especially in the medical community or among dietitians. This situation is not surprising because DNP is a highly toxic substance that is not intended to support weight loss or fat burning. The DNP substance is a yellow powder with a sweet taste and a musty odor. DNP is a compound that is poorly soluble in water.
DNP – application
The DNP compound was initially used for the production of ammunition, for example, during the First World War, the substance was used by the French in the military industry. Subsequently, DNP was used for the production of dyes, wood preservation, photo developers and herbicides. In the 30s at Stanford University, a certain Maurice Tainter discovered that the DNP compound could have a positive effect on getting rid of excess kilograms. At that time, DNP aroused great interest among manufacturers of dietary supplements and those interested in losing weight. After some time, however, it turned out that this substance can affect fat burning, but the side effects it causes make it dangerous and may pose a threat to the health and even life of the patient. Currently, the sale of DNP as a foodstuff is illegal, and the only sources of this substance can be found at the appropriate sites on the web.
Operation of DNP and fat burning
People who illegally distribute DNP refer to this compound as a fat turbo burner. As previously mentioned, DNP is an uncoupler for oxidative phosphorylation in the mitochondria. Simply put, it means that there is a compound ATP in the human body, which is responsible for energy transfer. This energy is used continuously for the proper functioning of the entire body. The process of ATP formation also requires certain amounts of energy and at this point we are dealing with the operation of DNP. The DNP compound interferes with the production of ATP, so cells have to work much harder for ATP to build up. In short, this means that DNP forces our cells to work harder, which uses more energy, which translates into an acceleration of metabolism. Animal studies have shown that the metabolism is accelerated by 30-70% when using DNP. This, in turn, means that during a week without any diet and physical activity, you can lose even 5-8 kilograms.
Side effects of using DNP
The dizzying pace of losing excess kilograms is the only benefit of using DNP substances. The list of side effects that occur when introducing DNP into the body is very long and includes:
- hyperthermia, i.e. overheating of the body;
- heart damage;
- blockage of the process of cellular respiration;
- acute kidney damage;
- acute liver damage;
- damage to hearing and vision;
- peripheral nerve inflammation;
- tachycardia;
- cardiac arrest;
- death.
Before use, read the leaflet, which contains indications, contraindications, data on side effects and dosage as well as information on the use of the medicinal product, or consult your doctor or pharmacist, as each drug used improperly is a threat to your life or health.