Doctor and television presenter Elena Malysheva has warned viewers that popular joint supplements known as chondroprotectors carry an unexpected and severe health risk.
Speaking alongside her co-host, cardiologist Herman Gandelman, on the medical show Zhit Zdorovo! on Channel One, Malysheva revealed that these widely used medications have been linked to a significantly higher chance of developing neurodegenerative disease.
The warning follows a scientific study conducted in the United States and published in June 2026, which revealed that taking chondroprotectors increases the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease by 25 percent. Furthermore, the research indicated that these supplements elevate mortality risks among patients who have already been diagnosed with cognitive disorders.
Discussing the research on air, Gandelman said that the findings came as a complete shock to both presenters, a sentiment Malysheva confirmed during the broadcast. Malysheva added that several international medical associations have since issued official statements declaring that the use of chondroprotectors is strictly not recommended.
Unproven benefits and medical warnings
During the episode, which was made available on the official Channel One website on September 10, 2026, Gandelman emphasized that despite the widespread popularity of chondroprotectors, their actual therapeutic benefit for joint health has never been scientifically proven. Chondroprotectors are a category of supplements and medications, often containing glucosamine or chondroitin, designed to slow down the degradation of joint cartilage and alleviate pain caused by osteoarthritis.
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disorder that gradually destroys memory and cognitive abilities, eventually impairing a person's capability to carry out simple daily tasks. It represents the most frequent cause of dementia in older adults globally, making potential risk factors a major concern for public health specialists.
Broadcasting health advice on state television
Malysheva is one of Russia's most prominent medical television personalities, having hosted health and wellness programs on national television for decades. Her regular co-host, Gandelman, is a practicing interventional cardiologist. Their morning program, Zhit Zdorovo!, translates to Live Healthy! and is broadcast on Channel One, Russia's flagship state-owned network.
The discussion regarding chondroprotectors is part of a broader trend of Russian medical presenters highlighting risks associated with self-medication and over-the-counter treatments. Previously, doctor and television presenter Alexander Myasnikov warned about the dangers of sleeping pills, noting that sleep aids should not be taken by people who suffer from snoring due to potential respiratory complications during sleep.
