New research from Jerusalem's Taub Center for Social Policy Studies has found that deficiency of magnesium in desalinated water greatly increases the risk of Type-2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, and ischemic stroke. The study shows that desalination plants in Israel have caused a loss of magnesium in the water supply, leading to deficiencies in the population. The researchers recommend adding magnesium to the drinking water to prevent these health risks and save the health system hundreds of millions of shekels. The Health Ministry estimates that returning magnesium to desalinated water will cost about NIS 37 million annually.