Desalination can dramatically increase the prevalence of inadequate iodine intake, new research suggests. An estimated 300 million people worldwide rely on over 17,000 desalination plants in 150 countries for water, and the numbers are likely to grow. Israel has highest use of desalinated water in world; severe iodine shortage has been linked to mental retardation Faculty researchers say that Israeli adults who consume desalinated water were found in a study to have a “surprisingly high” prevalence of inadequate iodine intake and a related thyroid dysfunction.

http://www.timesofisrael.com/study-says-desalination-may-cause-iodine-deficiency/

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/09/160919084610.htm