Investigations are underway after an Irish man died following the suspected consumption of a slimming product bought online.

The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) has confirmed the death.

The HPRA says it contained Dinitrophenol (DNP) - which can speed up metabolism in the body dangerously fast, and lead to potentially dangerous side effects.

The HPRA and the gardaí are carrying out investigations into the supply of the DNP product, and the events surrounding the death.

The identity of the man of the man has not been released - but he is understood to be aged in his mid-20s.

It follows a similar case in April, where the death of a young woman in the UK was linked to DNP.

The HPRA issued a national warning of the dangers of this substance.

The body emphasises that products containing DNP are not fit for human consumption, and have the potential to cause serious harm.

Tablets containing DNP detained

It is also advising consumers not to purchase any slimming products which may be illegally available online.

"Some of these products have been found to contain unauthorised substances which are often undeclared on the pack", it says.

To date, a small number of tablets containing DNP have been detained by the HPRA.

It is advising consumers who have taken any product containing DNP who are feeling unwell to contact their doctor immediately.

Pat O'Mahony, chief executive of the HPRA, said: "The information we have at this time indicates that this young man consumed DNP and our thoughts are with his family."

"These investigations are on-going, and we strongly urge members of the public to never use the internet to source slimming products or any prescription medicines at any time - no amount of these products is safe to take," he added.