Warning over lethal chemical in capsules

OVERWEIGHT Scots are being warned to stay away from diet pills that have killed 26 people in the UK. An industrial chemical called DNP, which is illegally marketed as a “fat-burning” food supplement, is being sold online as tablets or capsules. DNP is used in pesticides and explosives and taking it can cause the body to “overheat”, with side effects BY VIVIENNE AITKEN Health Editor ranging from nausea and vomiting to rapid or irregular heartbeat, fever, dehydration, flushed skin, blindness, dizziness, headaches, coma and death.

Since 2007, 26 people have died after taking DNP.

In February 2017, Bethany Shipsey, 21, from the Midlands, died after overdosing on diet pills containing the chemical.

Long-term use of DNP can lead to cataracts and skin lesions and it may cause damage to the heart and nervous system.

There is also evidence that it causes cancer and increases the risk of birth defects.

A Food Standards Scotland survey showed people are unaware of the dangers.

A third of Scots questioned said they would buy a food supplement that claimed to help with weight loss.

And 55 per cent said they would buy a food supplement marketed as a health and fitness product.

Even after being told DNP could be deadly, five per cent said they would still take it.

Ron McNaughton, head of the Scottish Food Crime and Incidents Unit, said: “Our survey shows a significant amount of people in Scotland are unaware of this deadly substance, which is marketed illegally as a ‘fat burner’.

“More worryingly, five per cent of respondents would still risk taking DNP even knowing it could kill them.

“People in Scotland need to be aware of the dangers of DNP. It’s not safe for human consumption under any circumstance.” Mon-Thurs 8.30am-7pm, Fri till 5pm, Sat 9am-3pm