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IUPAC name: 2,4-Dinitrophenol
Molecular formula: C6H4N2O5.
Molar Mass: 184.106
Density: 1.683 g/cm³
Melting Point:108 °C, 381 K, 226 °F
Boiling Point: 113 °C, 386 K, 235 °F
Acidity: 4.114
What is DNP?
For purposes of this article we will stick to the physiological application of DNP. If I had to describe DNP in one word…poison. DNP prevents normal chemical reactions at the cellular level. It impedes the normal function of cellular metabolism.
Where did DNP Come from?
The US Army categorizes DNP as a potential insensitive munitions compound because it was used to ignite TNT in the early 1900’s. DNP was found to have other properties that made it useful for making dyes, wood preservatives, photographic developer, and pesticides. DNP is highly toxic, and people working with or around the substance can develop side effects like weight loss, high fever, and death. The
weight loss aspect prompted studies regarding the effects of DNP on metabolism.
How does DNP work?
DNP makes changes in our metabolism. Metabolism is the set of chemical reactions in our bodies that keep us alive. Our bodies metabolize nutrients to provide us with energy. Oxidation involves the transfer of electrons between atoms (or molecules) and releases energy. The formal name for this process is oxidative phosphorylation. When our body breaks down nutrients and absorbs then into our cells, one of the functions of the cell’s mitochondria is to produce chemical energy called ATP. In order to create ATP, mitochondria capture and use the energy released from oxidative phosphorylation.
DNP is known as a mitochondrial uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation. In other words, DNP encapsulates and moves protons (ions) across cell membranes, preventing mitochondria from “processing” nutrient molecules, capturing energy via the exchange of electrons, and converting that energy to ATP. The energy released from DNP action is converted into heat energy. Without ATP to provide energy, our bodies look to alternative sources like fat reserves. The overall result is an increase in the metabolic rate by a factor of 30% to 50%.
You might wonder why the body does not use muscle as well as fat as an energy source (catabolism). One of the reasons lies with HSPs (Heat Shock Proteins). HSPs are known to maintain the shape and function of cellular proteins and promote muscle growth. HSPs go to work under circumstances where the body temperature increases, ATP is scarce, and free radicals are present. DNP does all of these things. Although some catabolism is likely to occur with DNP present, it follows that exercise combined with the release of HSPs result in the protection of muscle cells and promotion of protein synthesis.
How is DNP Dangerous?
1) DNP can kill you. We discussed how DNP converts the energy from food into heat energy, which increases body temperature. Unfortunately there is no limit to how high your body temperature can get while on DNP, so it can literally “cook” you.
2) DNP can cause fever, stroke, nephritis, tachycardia, respiration problems, coma, and peripheral neuritis.
3) DNP is a cumulative poison, meaning that it builds up in your system every day that you take it. It takes 3 weeks to evacuate your system and by the time you have a problem, it can be too late.
4) DNP causes cataracts in 1 out of every 1,000 people.
5) 10% of users develop and allergic reaction that includes hives, blisters, and rashes.
6) Without ATP cells start to die.
7) Free radicals cause cancer.
8) The EPA, NTP, ASTDR, and WHO all categorize DNP as a category 1 toxic chemical.
9) We do not really know how much cellular damage DNP causes.
What are the benefits of DNP?
1) Fat loss
2) Anabolic rebound – After a DNP cycle the body is in a highly anabolic state.
3) T3 reduction – If you happen to be running DNP right after an AAS cycle, the DNP can reduce the excessive T3 production that causes much of the catabolic type muscle loss post cycle.
Note: DNP can lower T3 to below optimal levels, so in some cases it may be necessary to start taking small doses of T3.
How should I take DNP?
I have a conservative stance on when to use DNP, how much to use, and how long to use it.
Some people argue that DNP should be used on cycle so as to protect muscle. My contention is that DNP makes you feel like crap, and it can detract from lifting at your best while on cycle. If I am on cycle I want to be lifting hard and I do not want to worry about energy levels or heat stroke.
Other people argue that DNP should be used well after PCT. My only concern would be low energy levels and possible T3 issues. These concerns are manageable via things like ECA stacks and T3 supplementation.
My most preferred time to run DNP is when I start PCT. I still have energy and strength from my cycle and I avoid the whole catabolic post cycle phase. In addition, I have a nice little anabolic rebound at the end of my DNP run and I get to see the results from all my hard work on gear.
DNP is cumulative and it takes three weeks to clear your system. Do not bump up your dose because you think you can handle more. Do not use drugs or drink alcohol.
Please note that you do not need to “feel” DNP for it to be working. People have different tolerance levels, even for poisons. You can only get so much DNP into your system (before you die), so you can choose to take a higher dose short cycle or lower dose long cycle. Regardless, by the end of the cycle you will feel the heat and toxicity.
Low Dose Long Cycle
Start with a dose of 200mg per day [100 mg every morning / 100 mg
every evening]. Run it for two or three weeks.
Day 1 – 14: 200 mg ED
Day 15 – 21: 200 mg ED*
*Experienced users may choose to run the cycle for an additional week.
Total DNP consumption for long cycle: (2,800 to 4,200 mg)
High Dose Short Cycle
Start with a dose of 200 mg per day [100 mg every morning / 100 mg
every evening]. Within 2 to 4 days you should know if you have an allergy.
Day 1 – 4: 200 mg ED
Day 5 – 9: 400 mg ED
Day 10 – 11: 400 mg ED*
*Experienced users may choose to go above the max recommended daily dose of 400 mg
and run the cycle for an additional couple of days.
Total DNP consumption for short cycle: (2,800 to 4,000 mg)
What are common sides to DNP?
·Discomfort and sweating
·Insomnia
·Yellow bodily fluids
·Muscle Soreness
·Allergic Reactions
·Carbohydrate Cravings
·Vomiting (a good sign that you should stop)
What food and supplements should I take while on a DNP cycle?
You may lose your senses of taste and smell so this is a good time to teach yourself how to eat without using condiments and all the other crap you dont need.
Water - One or two gallons a day. Dehydration is the leading cause of DNP problems, including death.
Fruit - Glycogen will be depleated. Fructose is good.
Protein - Diet should be heavy on protein.
Fiber - DNP can be rough so you may want to regulate (pun intended).
Complex Carbs - Carbs will make you hot. You should try to time your carb intake so that you are not eating carbs before workouts or before sleep.
Multi vitamin - You are likely to be on a rescticted diet and you will need to supplement.
Antioxidants - To stop the free radicals
Electolytes - V8 is good.
Melatonin - If necessary, to help you sleep.
ECA stack - If necessary, to boost your energy levels.
IUPAC name: 2,4-Dinitrophenol
Molecular formula: C6H4N2O5.
Molar Mass: 184.106
Density: 1.683 g/cm³
Melting Point:108 °C, 381 K, 226 °F
Boiling Point: 113 °C, 386 K, 235 °F
Acidity: 4.114
What is DNP?
For purposes of this article we will stick to the physiological application of DNP. If I had to describe DNP in one word…poison. DNP prevents normal chemical reactions at the cellular level. It impedes the normal function of cellular metabolism.
Where did DNP Come from?
The US Army categorizes DNP as a potential insensitive munitions compound because it was used to ignite TNT in the early 1900’s. DNP was found to have other properties that made it useful for making dyes, wood preservatives, photographic developer, and pesticides. DNP is highly toxic, and people working with or around the substance can develop side effects like weight loss, high fever, and death. The
weight loss aspect prompted studies regarding the effects of DNP on metabolism.
How does DNP work?
DNP makes changes in our metabolism. Metabolism is the set of chemical reactions in our bodies that keep us alive. Our bodies metabolize nutrients to provide us with energy. Oxidation involves the transfer of electrons between atoms (or molecules) and releases energy. The formal name for this process is oxidative phosphorylation. When our body breaks down nutrients and absorbs then into our cells, one of the functions of the cell’s mitochondria is to produce chemical energy called ATP. In order to create ATP, mitochondria capture and use the energy released from oxidative phosphorylation.
DNP is known as a mitochondrial uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation. In other words, DNP encapsulates and moves protons (ions) across cell membranes, preventing mitochondria from “processing” nutrient molecules, capturing energy via the exchange of electrons, and converting that energy to ATP. The energy released from DNP action is converted into heat energy. Without ATP to provide energy, our bodies look to alternative sources like fat reserves. The overall result is an increase in the metabolic rate by a factor of 30% to 50%.
You might wonder why the body does not use muscle as well as fat as an energy source (catabolism). One of the reasons lies with HSPs (Heat Shock Proteins). HSPs are known to maintain the shape and function of cellular proteins and promote muscle growth. HSPs go to work under circumstances where the body temperature increases, ATP is scarce, and free radicals are present. DNP does all of these things. Although some catabolism is likely to occur with DNP present, it follows that exercise combined with the release of HSPs result in the protection of muscle cells and promotion of protein synthesis.
How is DNP Dangerous?
1) DNP can kill you. We discussed how DNP converts the energy from food into heat energy, which increases body temperature. Unfortunately there is no limit to how high your body temperature can get while on DNP, so it can literally “cook” you.
2) DNP can cause fever, stroke, nephritis, tachycardia, respiration problems, coma, and peripheral neuritis.
3) DNP is a cumulative poison, meaning that it builds up in your system every day that you take it. It takes 3 weeks to evacuate your system and by the time you have a problem, it can be too late.
4) DNP causes cataracts in 1 out of every 1,000 people.
5) 10% of users develop and allergic reaction that includes hives, blisters, and rashes.
6) Without ATP cells start to die.
7) Free radicals cause cancer.
8) The EPA, NTP, ASTDR, and WHO all categorize DNP as a category 1 toxic chemical.
9) We do not really know how much cellular damage DNP causes.
What are the benefits of DNP?
1) Fat loss
2) Anabolic rebound – After a DNP cycle the body is in a highly anabolic state.
3) T3 reduction – If you happen to be running DNP right after an AAS cycle, the DNP can reduce the excessive T3 production that causes much of the catabolic type muscle loss post cycle.
Note: DNP can lower T3 to below optimal levels, so in some cases it may be necessary to start taking small doses of T3.
How should I take DNP?
I have a conservative stance on when to use DNP, how much to use, and how long to use it.
Some people argue that DNP should be used on cycle so as to protect muscle. My contention is that DNP makes you feel like crap, and it can detract from lifting at your best while on cycle. If I am on cycle I want to be lifting hard and I do not want to worry about energy levels or heat stroke.
Other people argue that DNP should be used well after PCT. My only concern would be low energy levels and possible T3 issues. These concerns are manageable via things like ECA stacks and T3 supplementation.
My most preferred time to run DNP is when I start PCT. I still have energy and strength from my cycle and I avoid the whole catabolic post cycle phase. In addition, I have a nice little anabolic rebound at the end of my DNP run and I get to see the results from all my hard work on gear.
DNP is cumulative and it takes three weeks to clear your system. Do not bump up your dose because you think you can handle more. Do not use drugs or drink alcohol.
Please note that you do not need to “feel” DNP for it to be working. People have different tolerance levels, even for poisons. You can only get so much DNP into your system (before you die), so you can choose to take a higher dose short cycle or lower dose long cycle. Regardless, by the end of the cycle you will feel the heat and toxicity.
Low Dose Long Cycle
Start with a dose of 200mg per day [100 mg every morning / 100 mg
every evening]. Run it for two or three weeks.
Day 1 – 14: 200 mg ED
Day 15 – 21: 200 mg ED*
*Experienced users may choose to run the cycle for an additional week.
Total DNP consumption for long cycle: (2,800 to 4,200 mg)
High Dose Short Cycle
Start with a dose of 200 mg per day [100 mg every morning / 100 mg
every evening]. Within 2 to 4 days you should know if you have an allergy.
Day 1 – 4: 200 mg ED
Day 5 – 9: 400 mg ED
Day 10 – 11: 400 mg ED*
*Experienced users may choose to go above the max recommended daily dose of 400 mg
and run the cycle for an additional couple of days.
Total DNP consumption for short cycle: (2,800 to 4,000 mg)
What are common sides to DNP?
·Discomfort and sweating
·Insomnia
·Yellow bodily fluids
·Muscle Soreness
·Allergic Reactions
·Carbohydrate Cravings
·Vomiting (a good sign that you should stop)
What food and supplements should I take while on a DNP cycle?
You may lose your senses of taste and smell so this is a good time to teach yourself how to eat without using condiments and all the other crap you dont need.
Water - One or two gallons a day. Dehydration is the leading cause of DNP problems, including death.
Fruit - Glycogen will be depleated. Fructose is good.
Protein - Diet should be heavy on protein.
Fiber - DNP can be rough so you may want to regulate (pun intended).
Complex Carbs - Carbs will make you hot. You should try to time your carb intake so that you are not eating carbs before workouts or before sleep.
Multi vitamin - You are likely to be on a rescticted diet and you will need to supplement.
Antioxidants - To stop the free radicals
Electolytes - V8 is good.
Melatonin - If necessary, to help you sleep.
ECA stack - If necessary, to boost your energy levels.
