Benefits

1. DNP can assist in weight loss. This is the main reported benefit of DNP usage, and it does this through several associated mechanisms listed below.

2. DNP increases the metabolic rate by stimulating the uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation (10). Essentially, this means that when a cell is producing ATP, in the presence of DNP, it will produce less ATP than it would under normal conditions.

This causes the cell to undergo more ATP production to meet energy demands. Since the production of ATP actually costs energy, this results in a greater metabolic rate, thereby leading to weight loss (11).

3. DNP also causes an increase in internal heat production (12).  By altering the electrochemical gradient of protons in favor of producing less ATP, the result is more energy being lost as heat production instead of conversion to ATP (13).

This increase in heat production leads to an increase in caloric consumption, which again leads to weight loss (14).

4. DNP causes an upregulation in glycolysis (15). Researchers found that the combination of the stimulation of glycolysis and the inhibition of uncoupling resulted in a large increase in carbohydrate depletion (16, 17).

All of these mechanisms serve the same purpose: to decrease the efficiency of energy production as a means of increasing energy expenditure. However, these mechanisms greatly disturb normal cell function and are all potentially lethal (18).

5. DNP may have promising effects on age-related neurological disorders according to recent research. The research is preliminary and has not yet been tested in humans, but it certainly warrants further examination.

One study used rat models to assess the effects of DNP use after suffering an ischemic stroke. DNP was shown to reduce impact volume thereby reducing the damage done by the stroke (19).

This is, of course, an important finding that may have benefits in reducing impairment after suffering a stroke.

Another model showed promising neuroprotective effects in rats suffering from Huntington’s Disease (20).

The researchers noted that DNP served to improve motor function and reduce the oxidative stress caused by Huntington’s Disease (21).

6. DNP may improve motor function and resist neuro-degeneration in those suffering from Parkinson’s Disease (22).

It was shown in rats that those who had Parkinson’s Disease were able to slightly improve motor function and potentially reduced neurological damage (23).

There are some similarities in the studies that found potential benefits for stroke, Huntington’s Disease, and Parkinson’s Disease. In all three scenarios, there is existing mitochondrial dysfunction, which the DNP appears to regulate (24, 25, 26).

Also, the researchers are not exactly sure of the mechanism by which DNP is acting to regulate the mitochondrial function. It is also important to note that these studies all used rat models and are one-of-kind, so much further research is needed to determine the safety and efficacy of DNP use in the treatment of certain neurological disorders.

7. DNP makes dieting somewhat effortless. DNP causes such an increase in metabolism that you can literally stuff your face and still lose fat. Not only that, but the appetite suppressing effects are so strong that you won’t even want to eat.

8. DNP decreases carb tolerance. Low carb diets have shown time and time again to be an effective weight loss agent. DNP causes an inability to handle large amounts of carbohydrates and often forces users to go lower carb. This often results in even more weight loss.

9. DNP can combat liver disease. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease affects about 20% of the population and in the long run, can pave the way to an array of diseases and disorders including cancer. Unfortunately, there are no approved drugs for treating this condition.

However, a new study showed that a time released DNP pill (12-24hrs) was able to slash liver lipids by up to 90% in rats (27).

The head of the study suggests that this gentler version of DNP could be useful for treating diabetes and NAFLD. It reduces fat buildup and corrects defective liver metabolism of glucose, so “it’s getting at the root cause of these diseases.”

10. DNP can help with diabetes. People with diabetes typically have insulin resistance, meaning that their cells don’t respond normally to the hormone that controls blood sugar levels. However, when Shulman and colleagues fed DNP to rats, they found that the drug boosted the animals’ insulin sensitivity (28).

The team also showed that it reversed diabetes in rats.

11. DNP can protect mitochondria from Reactive-Oxygen Species (ROS) mediated cell death. According to Examine, Dinitrophenol, by mitochondrial uncoupling, is able to protect mitochondria from Reactive-Oxygen Species (ROS) mediated cell death by allowing energy to be lost through uncoupling rather than contained in the mitochondria to exert damage. This was demonstrated in an animal model injected with a toxic dose of quinolinic acid (29).

Side Effects

1. DNP can cause cardiovascular failure. The decreased efficiency of ATP production inevitably leads to an increase in internal body temperature (30).

This rapid and uncontrollable increase often leads to cardiovascular failure, which is the most common ultimate cause of death (31).

2. DNP can cause rapid, short breaths, drastically increased heart rate, as well as increased blood pressure (32).

3. DNP can cause hyperthermia and cook you from the inside out (33).

4. DNP can cause blindness (34).

5. DNP  has also been known to cause fevers, confusion, and occasional convulsions(35, 36).

6. DNP has a narrow therapeutic window that varies from individual to individual. The biggest problem with DNP is that one dose will benefit somebody, while the see dose might kill them. Furthermore even slightly overdosing on DNP can cause crazy side effects bordering death. Even taking recommended dose levels could become “toxic,”  and severe side effects can occur.

7. DNP can down-regulate your thyroid levels, specifically T3.

8. DNP can deplete and alter electrolytes. It has been reported that supplementation with Dinitrophenol can cause potassium accretion in renal tissue in rabbits and may contribute to toxicity (37, 38)

Due to the lack of phosphate usage for ATP production in the mitochondria, phosphate also can accumulate in cells (39).

9. DNP can cause insomnia.

10. DNP can cause diaphoresis (excessive sweating) (40).

11. It should be noted that most of these side effects are normal – they are not just present when you overdose.

Recommended Dosage

Standard online protocols advice for titrating up towards a dose of 200-400 mg daily with cessation after 2 weeks of usage.

This dosing information is anecdotal in nature and is based on past human trials that were not conducted in a controlled fashion. No information exists in the scientific literature for the best dosages for weight loss.)

DNP is not currently recommended for safe use at any dosage level by the FDA.

Fatalities have been reported from dosage levels as low as 4.3mg/kg all the way to as high as 5g, suggesting that a safe level of use is unknown (41).

The rat studies which examined the use of DNP for neurological disorders all used a dosage of 5mg/kg, and only for very short periods of time (42, 43, 44).

FAQ

Can DNP kill you? Yes, DNP in high doses can cause hyperthermia, or overheating, which can literally cook you from the inside.

Why is DNP so dangerous? One of the risks of DNP is that it accelerates the metabolism to a dangerously fast level. Speeding up the metabolism may help burn off fat, but it can also trigger a number of potentially dangerous side effects, such as fever and dehydration.

Is DNP an effective weight loss drug? Yes, DNP has been shown to accelerate the metabolism by up to 33%. That means that someone who normally burns 2000 calories per day will now burn over 600 more per day without moving a muscle.

Is DNP a steroid? No, DNP is not a steroid.

What does DNP do to cellular respiration? DNP acts as a protonophore, allowing protons to leak across the inner mitochondrial membrane and thus bypass ATP synthase. This makes ATP energy production less efficient. In effect, part of the energy that is normally produced from cellular respiration is wasted as heat.

What are the side effects of DNP? Side effects can include tachycardia (irregular and rapid heart rate), rapid breathing, fever, dehydration, dizziness and headaches, high temperature, sweating and flushed skin, nausea and vomiting and death.

Is DNP FDA approved? No, It has been an FDA banned drug since 1938.

Is DNP legal? No, DNP is illegal to purchase and also to distribute for human consumption. However, it can be sold legally as a pesticide.

What is uncoupling from DNP? DNP works via increasing heat production in cells- a process known as uncoupling. This making cells less efficient with energy and at completing respiration of ATP– this our energy currency and we rely on it for all bodily functions.

How much DNP should you take? If you decide to try this illegal drug, start a low dose, probably 100mg or less. Then slowly titrate up. DNP overdose is unforgiving and often results in permanent damage and often death.

How is DNP ingested? It normally comes in pill format.

What is DNP normally used for? DNP is commercially used as a fertilizer. 2,4-Dinitrophenol is also used in the manufacture of dyes, wood preservatives, and as a pesticide.

Is DNP explosive? Yes DNP is explosive and is classified as such in the UK and USA.

What does DNP look like? The chemical is a yellow crystalline powder that has a sweet, musty odor. It sublimes, is volatile with steam, and is soluble in most organic solvents as well as aqueous alkaline solutions.

What is better for weight loss, DNP or T3? DNP is a more effective weight loss agent however T3 is deemed much safer.

Why do uncouplers increase oxygen consum