Researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health have warned that less than half of all young children and teenagers are having enough water.

With an aim to know whether or not children in America are having enough water, the researchers have assessed 4,000 children between the ages 6 and 19. For the research, the scientists have gone through the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2009 to 2012.

The data had information from different races and ethnic backgrounds. After evaluating the data, the researchers came to know that around a quarter of children and youth do not drink water at all.

As per the study researchers, less than 50% of all American youngsters are having the recommended daily fluid intake as said by national health authorities. The researchers said that the inadequate water intake was 76% higher in boys than girls. Also, black children and teenagers were 24% more likely to have less water than white youngsters.

The researchers even found that some of the studied young Americans do not drink any plain water at all. The researchers have blamed sodas and drink industry for this. It is important to remain hydrated, as long time dehydration can cause variety of physical and mental health problems. In some cases, it can even prove fatal. It can cause neurological issues, problems with the metabolism, kidney malfunction and even death.