A large-scale and first-of-its-kind survey conducted by the Ministry of Health and revealed for the first time in the Shomarim investigation found that the concentration of magnesium in the water we drink is low in a way that endangers our health. The reason for the shortage is the removal of salts and minerals in the desalination process. Although the Ministry of Health has been warning for over a decade that magnesium should be returned to the desalinated water, nothing has been done and the results of the survey reveal what appears to be the biggest health failure of the last decade: the magnesium failure.
“The results completely amazed me,” says Prof. Michael Schechter, director of the clinical research unit in the heart department of Sheba Tel Hashomer Hospital. “Central cities in Israel with the greatest concentration of population receive a very low level of magnesium that can cause health damage. The risk of developing type 2 diabetes is higher, the risk of developing obesity is higher, the risk of heart disease is higher and recent studies also indicate an increased risk of developing dementia “.
While the World Health Organization recommends a minimum concentration of 25-50 milligrams per liter of magnesium in order to prevent heart disease, in most large cities, including Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and Beer Sheva, the concentration of magnesium in drinking water is lower than 10 milligrams per liter.
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“Drinking water low in minerals in general, and magnesium in particular,” wrote the survey’s editors, members of the National Environmental Health Organization at the Ministry of Health, “may have serious health effects… The results of the survey show low concentrations of magnesium in the largest cities in Israel and emphasize the importance of adding magnesium to desalinated water for Prevention of cardiovascular disease”.
In the survey (which was uploaded to the website of the Ministry of Health on Wednesday this week) found that the average concentration of magnesium in drinking water in Israel is 18 mgl. For comparison, until the desalination revolution, the average concentration of magnesium in Israel was about 30 mgl.
Prof. Itamar Grotto, formerly the deputy director general of the Ministry of Health, also warns of the health danger reflected in the survey: “A deficiency of 10 milligrams from the average, twice the multiples of the entire population, has great implications in terms of public health.” Grotto points the finger of blame at the government that drags legs and delaying the process of introducing magnesium into desalinated water, a move that was supposed to be carried out by 2018.
responses
The response of the Ministry of Health: “At the initiative of the Ministry of Health, it was decided to promote a pilot to examine the addition of magnesium to desalinated water. After the theoretical part of the pilot ended, the corona epidemic broke out, which required the prioritization of resources, and now the health system is faced with a war of iron swords. The pilot is in the planning stage of its practical part. Following the results of the survey, the Ministry promotes actions to increase Public awareness of consuming food rich in magnesium, with special reference to certain risk groups.”
The Water Authority’s response: “Adding magnesium to the desalinated water, whose annual cost is estimated at 400 million NIS, will make the water tariff for consumers 4% more expensive, when in practice 99% of the drinking water in Israel is used for showering and toilets, gardening, washing and washing dishes, and only less than 1% is consumed as drinking water and reaches the body the person As long as the Ministry of Health decides that there is a health justification for this, it will have to find a dedicated budgetary source for its financing.”
What are the health risks associated with low magnesium levels in Israel’s drinking water?
Table of Contents
The Alarming Truth: Low Magnesium Levels in Israel’s Drinking Water Pose Significant Health Risks
A groundbreaking survey conducted by the Ministry of Health has revealed a shocking truth about the water we drink in Israel. The investigation, known as the Shomarim survey, has found that the concentration of magnesium in Israel’s drinking water is alarmingly low, posing significant health risks to the population.
The Magnesium Shortage: A Result of Desalination
The main culprit behind the magnesium shortage is the desalination process, which removes essential salts and minerals, including magnesium, from the water. Despite warnings from the Ministry of Health over a decade ago, no action has been taken to rectify this issue, resulting in what experts are calling the “magnesium failure.”
The Devastating Consequences: Health Risks and More
The survey’s findings are nothing short of astounding. Prof. Michael Schechter, director of the clinical research unit in the heart department of Sheba Tel Hashomer Hospital, notes that the low levels of magnesium in drinking water can lead to a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and even dementia.
The World Health Organization recommends a minimum concentration of 25-50 milligrams per liter of magnesium in drinking water to prevent heart disease. However, in major cities such as Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Beer Sheva, the concentration of magnesium in drinking water is lower than 10 milligrams per liter.
The Survey’s Alarming Results
The survey, which was uploaded to the Ministry of Health’s website, found that the average concentration of magnesium in drinking water in Israel is a mere 18 milligrams per liter. In contrast, the average concentration of magnesium in Israel’s drinking water before the desalination revolution was around 30 milligrams per liter.
Prof. Itamar Grotto, formerly the deputy director general of the Ministry of Health, warns that the health implications of this shortage are far-reaching. “A deficiency of 10 milligrams from the average, affecting the entire population, has significant implications for public health,” he notes.
Government Inaction: A Decade of Delay
The government has been accused of dragging its feet on introducing magnesium into desalinated water, a move that was supposed to be carried out by 2018. Prof. Grotto points the finger of blame at the government, saying that its inaction has led to this health crisis.
The Ministry of Health’s Response
In response to the survey’s findings, the Ministry of Health announced that it will be promoting a pilot to examine the addition of magnesium to desalinated water. However, this pilot has been in the planning stages for some time, and its implementation has been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine.
The Importance of Public Awareness
In the meantime, the Ministry of Health is promoting public awareness of the importance of consuming magnesium-rich foods. While this is a step in the right direction, experts agree that more needs to be done to address the magnesium shortage in Israel’s drinking water.
The Bottom Line
The low levels of magnesium in Israel’s drinking water pose a significant health risk to the population. It is imperative that the government takes immediate action to address this issue and ensures that desalinated water is fortified with essential minerals like magnesium. Public awareness and education are crucial in this effort, and it is our collective responsibility to demand action from our leaders to protect our health and well-being.
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The Magnesium Health Crisis: Israel’s Drinking Water Revealed to be Severely Deficient
A groundbreaking survey conducted by the Ministry of Health has unearthed a shocking reality about the drinking water in Israel. The study, published in the Shomarim investigation, reveals that the concentration of magnesium in the water is alarmingly low, posing a significant threat to public health. The removal of salts and minerals during the desalination process is attributed to this shortage, a concern that has been warned about for over a decade.
The Consequences of Magnesium Deficiency
According to Prof. Michael Schechter, director of the clinical research unit in the heart department of Sheba Tel Hashomer Hospital, “The results completely amazed me. Central cities in Israel with the greatest concentration of population receive a very low level of magnesium that can cause health damage.” The risk of developing type 2 diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and even dementia is higher due to this deficiency.
The World Health Organization recommends a minimum concentration of 25-50 milligrams per liter of magnesium to prevent heart disease. However, in most large cities, including Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Beer Sheva, the concentration of magnesium in drinking water is lower than 10 milligrams per liter. This stark revelation highlights the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for action.
The Survey’s Findings
The survey, conducted by the National Environmental Health Organization at the Ministry of Health, found that the average concentration of magnesium in drinking water in Israel is a mere 18 milligrams per liter (mgl). In contrast, before the desalination revolution, the average concentration of magnesium in Israel was around 30 mgl.
Expert Warnings
Prof. Itamar Grotto, formerly the deputy director general of the Ministry of Health, warns of the severe implications of this deficiency on public health. “A deficiency of 10 milligrams from the average, twice the multiples of the entire population, has great implications in terms of public health.” Grotto criticizes the government for delaying the process of introducing magnesium into desalinated water, a move that was supposed to be implemented by 2018.
Official Responses
Ministry of Health: “At the initiative of the Ministry of Health, it was decided to promote a pilot to examine the addition of magnesium to desalinated water. After the theoretical part of the pilot ended, the corona epidemic broke out, which required the prioritization of resources, and now the health system is faced with a war of iron swords. The pilot is in the planning stage of its practical part. Following the results of the survey, the Ministry promotes actions to increase public awareness of consuming food rich in magnesium, with special reference to certain risk groups.”
Water Authority: “Adding magnesium to the desalinated water, whose annual cost is estimated at 400 million NIS, will make the water tariff for consumers 4% more expensive, when in practice 99% of the drinking water in Israel is used for showering and toilets, gardening, washing and washing dishes, and only less than 1% is consumed as drinking water and reaches the body the person. As long as the Ministry of Health decides that there is a health justification for this, it will have to find a dedicated budget for it.”
The Imperative for Action
The magnesium health crisis in Israel’s drinking water is a pressing concern that demands immediate attention. The Ministry of Health and the Water Authority must take concrete steps to address this issue, prioritize public health, and ensure that the water supply system is revamped to include the necessary levels of magnesium. The consequences of inaction will be far-reaching and devastating, affecting the health and well-being of the entire population.
Keywords: magnesium deficiency, drinking water, Israel, Ministry of Health, desalination, public health, health crisis, water authority, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, dementia.
