A new study has unveiled that children and teens in America are not remaining properly hydrated. It could be because they are not having enough water and other fluids.

It is important to remain well hydrated, as inadequate hydration can affect children's physical and mental health. Study's lead researcher Erica Kenny from Harvard's Chan School said, "There's a lot of research out there to suggest that even mild levels of dehydration are enough to impact cognitive functioning and mood in kids".

Severe and long-term dehydration can cause chronic health problems. Mild dehydration can cause headaches, dry mouth, dizziness, irritability, increased heart rate and reduced physical performance.

The American Journal of Public Health-published study has found differing hydration levels in the study. The researchers said that black youngsters were more likely to be less hydrated than whites. In comparison to girls, boys are more likely to be dehydrated.

The researchers have assessed data from 2009 to 2012 from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The sample had more than 4,000 children and teenagers aged 6 to 19 years.

Using a test, known as urine osmolality, the researchers came to know about the participants' hydration levels. Lower number in the test means well hydrated and a high number means urine is more concentrated.

As per the results, more than half of all participants were not having proper hydration. Boys were more likely than girls and blacks were 34% more likely than whites to be inadequately hydrated.