Taking common vitamin D supplements may actually lower your vitamin D3 levels

Scientists are 'astonished' that the supplements could actually make deficiency worse

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Taking vitamin D2 supplements could actually reduce the levels of vitamin D3 in your body, according to a surprising new study published in Nutrition Reviews.

The finding comes just as much of the Northern Hemisphere heads into autumn - the time when health experts recommend people start supplementing with vitamin D.

Vitamin D is essential for regulating calcium and phosphate in the body, which keeps bones, teeth and muscles healthy. Deficiency is common worldwide: in the US, rates are as high as 31 per cent among non-Hispanic Black adults.