The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued an urgent advise to the public to avoid a ‘fat-burner’ substance in tablet or powder form. This warning has been issued after two deaths which have linked to the consumption of this substance.
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.
The FSA 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, the agency said.
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.
