Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is used in the treatment of common cold, allergies and respiratory disorders. It is also helpful in healing wounds. It has antioxidant activity and prevents the cell membrane of vital organs from getting damaged due to oxidation. Though vitamin C is a small-product category with annual sales of less than Rs 100 crore, it is a key ingredient of the Rs 1500 crore multivitamin market. But people depending on this supplement are facing a tough time nowadays due to an acute shortage of vitamin C in the pharmacies and medical stores throughout India since the last four months.