Quick Navigation

2,4-Dinitrophenol (DNP)

DNP is a highly toxic yet effective fat-burning compound. It increases heat production in cells via uncoupling (i.e., by making the cells use energy less efficiently). It can affect different people very differently, so that even what was considered small doses have killed.

Our evidence-based analysis on 2,4-dinitrophenol (dnp) features 23 unique references to scientific papers.

Kamal Patel
Research analysis led by .
Reviewed by
Examine.com Team
Last Updated:

Summary of 2,4-Dinitrophenol (DNP)

Primary information, health benefits, side effects, usage, and other important details

Dinitrophenol is an ionophoric compound that short circuits mitochondrial ATP production. This cessation of ATP production via the mitochondria leads to an increase in the metabolic rate (as substrate is utilized at a higher rate so cytosolic ATP can sustain life) and subsequent weight loss.

It is one of the few chemical compounds that is causatively linked to death. Overdosing on Dinitrophenol leads to toxicity via excessive heat production, irregular breathing and heartrate, and mitochondrial dysfunction.

💊 Get unbiased supplement information


How to Take

Recommended dosage, active amounts, other details

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

(NOTE: 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.)

Things to Note

Is a Form Of

Primary Function:

Also Known As

Dinitrophenol, DNP, 2, 4-DNP, Dinitro, Dinosan, Dnoc, Nitrophen, Chemox, Aldifen, Mitcal

Caution Notice

High Toxicity with risk of acute death

  • Overdosing of this compound requires a surprisingly small excess

Get our free 5-day course on the essentials of supplementation.

At Examine, our incentives line up with yours — getting unbiased information. That's why we don’t sell any advertising or supplements.

Join over 250,000 people who have learned about effective versus overrated supplements, tips for buying supplements, and how to combine supplements for safety and efficacy.

Research Breakdown on 2,4-Dinitrophenol (DNP)

1Sources and structure

2History

3Mechanisms of Action

4Mitochondrial Interactions

4.1Uncoupling and Metabolic Rate

4.2Uncoupling and Protection from Excitotoxicity

5Glycolysis and Lactic Acidosis

6Electrolyte alterations

7Safety and Toxicity

7.1General

7.2Case Studies
Click here to see all 23 references.

This page is regularly updated, to include the most recently available clinical trial evidence.

Each member of our research team is required to have no conflicts of interest, including with supplement manufacturers, food companies, and industry funders. The team includes nutrition researchers, registered dietitians, physicians, and pharmacists. We have a strict editorial process.

This page features 23 references. All factual claims are followed by specifically-applicable references. Click here to see the full set of research information and references for 2,4-Dinitrophenol (DNP).

Examine.com is intended to be used for educational and information purposes only. Examine.com and its Editors do not advocate nutritional supplementation over proper medical advice or treatment and this sentiment will never be expressed through pages hosted under Examine.com. If using any pharmaceuticals or drugs given to you by a doctor or received with a prescription, you must consult with the doctor in question or an equally qualified Health Care Professional prior to using any nutritional supplementation. If undergoing medical therapies, then consult with your respective Therapist or Health Care Professional about possible interactions between your Treatment, any Pharmaceuticals or Drugs being given, and possible nutritional supplements or practices hosted on Examine.com.

Examine.com does not assume liability for any actions undertaken after visiting these pages, and does not assume liability if one misuses supplements. Examine.com and its Editors do not ensure that unforeseen side effects will not occur even at the proper dosages, and thereby does not assume liability for any side effects from supplements or practices hosted under the domain of Examine.com.

Supplements

Articles

Health Topics

Membership Free Trial

Protein Intake Guide + Calculator

How to read a study

About

Never miss an update!

Your e-mail is safe with us. We don’t share personal data.

This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify.