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Reacta C with Black Elderberry

Solaray
4.9
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(361 ratings)
Vitamin C 500 mg
European Elder 200 mg
Product Image
Score80
A focused buffered vitamin C and elderberry combination with strong convenience, held back by incomplete polyphenol and support-blend details.
How scoring works
Quantity:120 VegCap(s) • (120 servings)
Goals:
Immunity
Skin Health
General Health
Anti-Inflammatory Support
Vision Support

Score 80

A focused buffered vitamin C and elderberry combination with strong convenience, held back by incomplete polyphenol and support-blend details.
How scoring works
$22.39($0.18 per serving)
iHerb
$ 22.39
Pure Formulas
$ 22.39
Vitacost
$ 22.39
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Analysis

Buffered vitamin C supplies a useful amount for antioxidant, collagen, and normal immune support. Black elderberry is identified by species and plant part, giving the botanical more specificity than many competing blends.

The elderberry extract names polyphenols but does not state their concentration, so potency cannot be compared precisely. A small vitamin C support base is also not broken into its individual ingredients.

The one-capsule serving is convenient and the formula stays focused without a crowded list of minor herbs. It is best for daily immune and antioxidant support rather than comprehensive vision or skin coverage.

Who is it for
  • Adults seeking concise immune support
  • People who prefer a one-capsule serving
Best for
  • Vitamin C plus elderberry support
  • Daily antioxidant use

Pros

  • Meaningful buffered vitamin C amount
  • Elderberry species and berry part are identified
  • Simple and convenient formula

Cons

  • Polyphenol concentration is not quantified
  • Support base ingredients are undisclosed
  • Limited breadth beyond immune support

Nutrient quality

89 Highest impact

Vitamin C and black elderberry are supplied at meaningful amounts for immune support. The branded vitamin C form and elderberry marker add quality, although the small support base is not defined.

Ingredient transparency

72 High impact

The main active amounts are clear and serving use is straightforward. An undefined vitamin C support base and missing non-active ingredients leave gaps.

Customer satisfaction

69 High impact

The average rating is excellent, with a moderate review count supporting the signal. No detailed reviews are supplied to assess recurring complaints or experiences tied to the intended use.

Value for money

89 Highest impact

Meaningful vitamin C and elderberry amounts combine with a long supply. The streamlined serving compares well despite incomplete disclosure of the support base.

Report analysis

Goals

Immunity
Immunity
Impact
Highest effect
A+ Goal FitA Strength of SupportA- CoverageA+ Formula Quality
Vitamin C · 500 mgEuropean Elder · 200 mg

Buffered Vitamin C and black elderberry address complementary immune pathways with meaningful disclosed amounts. Vitamin C supports barriers and immune cells, while the named elderberry species adds targeted botanical support.

The elderberry extract identifies polyphenols but does not state their concentration, leaving potency partly uncertain. The concise combination is more complete than a single-nutrient formula without becoming crowded.

Study evidence
European Elder Mixed 5 studies
Vitamin C Supportive 53 studies
Skin Health
Skin Health
Impact
Highest effect
A- Goal FitA Strength of SupportC+ CoverageB+ Formula Quality
Vitamin C · 500 mg

Buffered vitamin C supports collagen production, and standardized elderberry polyphenols add antioxidant coverage. Vitamin C has strong mechanistic support for skin, while elderberry is less directly studied for visible skin outcomes.

The 500 mg vitamin C amount is meaningful, and the 200 mg elderberry extract is clearly stated. Reacta-C provides buffered delivery, although the small support blend remains undisclosed.

Study evidence
Vitamin C Supportive 53 studies
General Health
General Health
Impact
Highest effect
B+ Goal FitA- Strength of SupportC+ CoverageB+ Formula Quality
Vitamin C · 500 mg

Buffered vitamin C anchors a focused formula for antioxidant, collagen, and normal immune support. Black elderberry adds a relevant botanical component, though its general-health evidence is less established.

The vitamin C amount and named delivery system are practical and clearly disclosed. Elderberry polyphenol standardization is not fully quantified, leaving some uncertainty about the secondary ingredient.

Study evidence
European Elder Supportive 2 studies
Vitamin C Supportive 56 studies
Anti-Inflammatory Support
Cellular Defense
Anti-Inflammatory Support
Impact
High effect
B Goal FitA- Strength of SupportC+ CoverageA- Formula Quality
Vitamin C · 500 mg

Buffered vitamin C and elderberry polyphenols may provide complementary antioxidant and immune-signaling support. Both main actives are supplied at clear, potentially meaningful amounts.

The formula has broader relevance than vitamin C alone, though it still lacks a leading direct anti-inflammatory active. Its concise design supports daily antioxidant use without a crowded label.

Study evidence
Vitamin C Supportive 50 studies
Vision Support
Macular and Blue Light Defense
Vision Support
Impact
High effect
C Goal FitB Strength of SupportD- CoverageB Formula Quality
Vitamin C · 500 mg

Buffered vitamin C provides antioxidant support relevant to the lens and retina. Used alone, it does not reproduce the broader AREDS2 nutrient pattern or supply macular carotenoids.

The 500 mg amount is practical, and elderberry adds polyphenols without a proven vision-specific role. The focused antioxidant formula is clear but narrow.

Study evidence
Vitamin C Disputed 24 studies

Ingredients

IngredientAmount per serving
Vitamin C (Reacta-C)
 500 mg
Calcium (Reacta-C)
 25 mg
Black Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) (berry) extract (Polyphenols)
 200 mg
Vitamin C Support Base
25 mg
Adults 18–50
Report overview
Vitamin C (Reacta-C) · 500 mg OverallScore87
B+ Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityA- Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyA+ Value

Reacta-C supplies a practical buffered vitamin C amount with clearly disclosed calcium. Black elderberry adds a standardized polyphenol component, although it does not improve vitamin C absorption directly. Strong serving value and good expected stomach tolerance make the formula well aligned with the collection.

View ingredientView products
European Elder (Polyphenols) · 200 mg OverallScore75
C+ Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityB- Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyA+ Value

Precise species and plant-part labeling are meaningful strengths. A mid-range extract dose and clear weight disclosure support practical use. Strong cost efficiency offsets the lack of a quantified polyphenol standard.

View ingredientView products
Loading alternative details
82 Performance

Liposomal Vitamin C 1000 mg

SunLipid
Buffered sodium ascorbate with a disclosed phospholipid complex provides a more developed delivery format and a larger vitamin C amount. It does not provide elderberry, and its sodium contribution may matter for users on a strict sodium limit.
82 Performance

Immune Support

NATURELO Premium Supplements
Elderberry, echinacea, vitamin C, and zinc create broader immune coverage than the original two-part formula. The botanical extracts lack active-marker standardization, but their amounts are clearly disclosed and remain relevant to the intended goal.
82 Performance

Kids Black Elderberry Alcohol Free

Herb Pharm
A high amount of identified Sambucus nigra fruit extract provides more focused elderberry support than the original combination. Active-marker standardization is absent and the product is child-oriented, so format and dosing suitability should be checked.
89 Budget

Pure Buffered Calcium Ascorbate

NOW
Buffered calcium ascorbate supplies a substantial vitamin C amount and may be gentler than the original product's less fully explained support base. It omits elderberry, but the clear dosing and very favorable serving value suit users primarily seeking vitamin C.
87 Budget

100% Pure Vitamin C Powder

Swanson Premium Brand
Pure ascorbic acid delivers a flexible vitamin C amount with very little formulation ambiguity and favorable value. It lacks the original product's elderberry and may be less comfortable for sensitive stomachs, so it fits a simpler vitamin C priority.
83 Budget

C 500 mg

21st Century
A straightforward vitamin C tablet matches the original product's vitamin C amount with a large, economical supply. The basic ascorbic acid form and lack of elderberry reduce breadth, but the formula is easy to understand and inexpensive to use.
82 Value

Meta-C 1000 mg Tablets

NutriBiotic Immunity
Meta-C combines vitamin C, calcium, and named metabolites in a buffered format with strong dose disclosure. It lacks elderberry, but the gentler form and favorable supply make it a useful value choice for vitamin C-focused use.
79 Value

Sambucus Black Elderberry 1000 mg

Nature's Truth
A large disclosed elderberry amount provides focused botanical support at a favorable serving value. Species, plant part, and extract strength are missing, so it trades the original product's vitamin C and marker detail for simplicity.
72 Value

Elderberry Complex Berry Flavor

AN Amazing Nutrition Amazing Formulas
Elderberry extract is paired with vitamin C, echinacea, marshmallow, and mullein at a low serving cost. Most botanical forms are generic and secondary amounts are modest, but the formula retains both main ingredient themes of the original.
Report alternatives

Sources

Published studies used for the product analysis and the top-ranked studies for each ingredient and goal.

  1. Effect of Vitamin C Supplements on Respiratory Tract Infections: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
    Keya TA; Leela A; Fernandez K; Habib N; Rashid M · Current reviews in clinical and experimental pharmacology · 2022
    Meta-analysis10 studies pooledImmunity forVitamin C
  2. Vitamin C and contribution to the normal function of the immune system: evaluation of a health claim pursuant to Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006.
    EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA) · EFSA journal. European Food Safety Authority · 2026
    Guideline / consensusImmunity forVitamin C
  3. The effect of macronutrient and micronutrient supplements on COVID-19: an umbrella review.
    SeyedAlinaghi S; Shahidi R; Mojdeganlou H; Akhtaran FK; Maroufi SF; Maroufi SP; Mirzapour P; Karimi A; Khodaei S; Pour MM; Mehraeen E; Dadras O · Journal of health, population, and nutrition · 2024
    Systematic review28 studies pooledImmunity forVitamin C
  4. Elderberry for prevention and treatment of viral respiratory illnesses: a systematic review.
    Wieland LS; Piechotta V; Feinberg T; Ludeman E; Hutton B; Kanji S; Seely D; Garritty C · BMC complementary medicine and therapies · 2021
    Systematic review5 studies pooledImmunity forEuropean Elder
  5. Select Dietary Supplement Ingredients for Preserving and Protecting the Immune System in Healthy Individuals: A Systematic Review.
    Crawford C; Brown LL; Costello RB; Deuster PA · Nutrients · 2022
    Systematic review39 studies pooledImmunity forEuropean Elder
  6. Double-blind, half-face study comparing topical vitamin C and vehicle for rejuvenation of photodamage.
    Fitzpatrick RE; Rostan EF · Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.] · 2002
    Non-randomized trial10 participantsSkin Health forVitamin C
  7. Dietary nutrient intakes and skin-aging appearance among middle-aged American women.
    Cosgrove MC; Franco OH; Granger SP; Murray PG; Mayes AE · The American journal of clinical nutrition · 2007
    Cross-sectional study4,025 participantsSkin Health forVitamin C
  8. Comparison of the Efficacy of Intralesional Ascorbic Acid Mesotherapy and Intralesional Tranexamic Acid in Treating Melasma in the Skin of Colour Population.
    Aslam H; Muhammad A; Ullah A; Aziz N; Lakhiar JA; Ahmad B; Shahzadi A; Ahmad A; Chandni; Virdi G · Cureus · 2025
    Randomized trial110 participantsSkin Health forVitamin C
  9. Efficacy of Vitamin C as Glucocorticoid Substitute for Reducing Pain and Inflammation After Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
    Jiang W; Xu H; Jiang X; Zhan Y; Ju Y; Xie J; Huang Z; Huang Q; Pei F · The Journal of bone and joint surgery. American volume · 2025
    Randomized trial107 participantsAnti-Inflammatory Support forVitamin C
  10. The Impact of Vitamin C on Analgesic, Anti-inflammatory, and Hemostatic Outcomes After Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
    Moftakhari Hajimirzaei S; Bagherzadeh Cham M; Dolikhani M; Tabatabaee SM; Ebrahimpour A · The archives of bone and joint surgery · 2026
    Meta-analysis1,162 participants10 studies pooledAnti-Inflammatory Support forVitamin C
  11. The impact of vitamin C supplementation on the perioperative outcomes after total hip and knee arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
    Liu X; Guo J; Li Y; Yang Y; Liu M; Gao Q; Yang Y; Wu X; Yue C · BMC musculoskeletal disorders · 2026
    Meta-analysis852 participants8 studies pooledAnti-Inflammatory Support forVitamin C
  12. Therapeutic Impact of Ascorbic Acid on Oral and Periodontal Tissues: A Systematic Literature Review.
    Ruzijevaite G; Acaite E; Jagelaviciene E · Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) · 2025
    Systematic review811 participants17 studies pooledAnti-Inflammatory Support forVitamin C
  13. Oral vitamin C administration reduces early recurrence rates after electrical cardioversion of persistent atrial fibrillation and attenuates associated inflammation.
    Korantzopoulos P; Kolettis TM; Kountouris E; Dimitroula V; Karanikis P; Pappa E; Siogas K; Goudevenos JA · International journal of cardiology · 2005
    Randomized trial44 participantsAnti-Inflammatory Support forVitamin C
  14. Elderberry Supplementation Reduces Cold Duration and Symptoms in Air-Travellers: A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.
    Tiralongo E; Wee SS; Lea RA · Nutrients · 2016
    Randomized trial312 participantsGeneral Health Immunity forEuropean Elder
  15. COVID-19: Is There Evidence for the Use of Herbal Medicines as Adjuvant Symptomatic Therapy?
    Silveira D; Prieto-Garcia JM; Boylan F; Estrada O; Fonseca-Bazzo YM; Jamal CM; Magalhães PO; Pereira EO; Tomczyk M; Heinrich M · Frontiers in pharmacology · 2023
    Narrative reviewGeneral Health forEuropean Elder
  16. Dietary intake and blood concentrations of antioxidants and the risk of cardiovascular disease, total cancer, and all-cause mortality: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of prospective studies.
    Aune D; Keum N; Giovannucci E; Fadnes LT; Boffetta P; Greenwood DC; Tonstad S; Vatten LJ; Riboli E; Norat T · The American journal of clinical nutrition · 2019
    Meta-analysis69 studies pooledGeneral Health forVitamin C
  17. Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of a health claim related to vitamin C and increasing non haem iron absorption pursuant to Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006.
    EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA) · EFSA journal. European Food Safety Authority · 2026
    Guideline / consensusGeneral Health forVitamin C
  18. Vitamin C Depletion and All-Cause Mortality in Renal Transplant Recipients.
    Sotomayor CG; Eisenga MF; Gomes Neto AW; Ozyilmaz A; Gans ROB; Jong WHA; Zelle DM; Berger SP; Gaillard CAJM; Navis GJ; Bakker SJ · Nutrients · 2018
    Cohort study598 participantsGeneral Health forVitamin C
  19. Associations of Serum Biomarkers of Fruit and Vegetable Intake With the Risk of Cause-Specific Mortality and All-Cause Mortality: A National Prospective Cohort Study.
    Pu L; Zhang R; Wang X; Zhao T; Sun H; Han L · Frontiers in nutrition · 2022
    Cohort study12,530 participantsGeneral Health forVitamin C
  20. Relation between plasma ascorbic acid and mortality in men and women in EPIC-Norfolk prospective study: a prospective population study. European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition.
    Khaw KT; Bingham S; Welch A; Luben R; Wareham N; Oakes S; Day N · Lancet (London, England) · 2001
    Cohort study19,496 participantsGeneral Health forVitamin C
  21. Black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) supplementation effectively treats upper respiratory symptoms: A meta-analysis of randomized, controlled clinical trials
    Jessie Hawkins, Christy Baker, Lindsey Cherry, Erich Dunne · Complementary Therapies in Medicine · 2019
    Meta-analysis180 participants4 studies pooledImmunity forEuropean Elder
  22. Randomized study of the efficacy and safety of oral elderberry extract in the treatment of influenza A and B virus infections
    Z Zakay-Rones, E Thom, T Wollan, J Wadstein · Journal of International Medical Research · 2004
    Randomized trial60 participantsImmunity forEuropean Elder
  23. Therapeutic effects of high-dose vitamin C supplementation in patients with COVID-19: a meta-analysis.
    Sun L; Zhao JH; Fan WY; Feng B; Liu WW; Chen RQ; Ban C; Dang AG; Wang M; Luo KT; Zhou GY; Yu FF; Ba Y · Nutrition reviews · 2024
    Meta-analysis2,334 participants14 studies pooledImmunity forVitamin C
  24. Effect of micronutrient supplements on influenza and other respiratory tract infections among adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
    Abioye AI; Bromage S; Fawzi W · BMJ global health · 2021
    Meta-analysisImmunity forVitamin C
  25. New evidence for antioxidant properties of vitamin C.
    Vojdani A; Bazargan M; Vojdani E; Wright J · Cancer detection and prevention · 2001
    Randomized trial20 participantsImmunity forVitamin C
  26. Enhanced Vitamin C Delivery: A Systematic Literature Review Assessing the Efficacy and Safety of Alternative Supplement Forms in Healthy Adults.
    Calder PC; Kreider RB; McKay DL · Nutrients · 2025
    Systematic review13 studies pooledImmunity forVitamin C
  27. Evaluation of the anti-wrinkle effect of an ascorbic acid-loaded dissolving microneedle patch via a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study.
    Lee C; Yang H; Kim S; Kim M; Kang H; Kim N; An S; Koh J; Jung H · International journal of cosmetic science · 2017
    Randomized trial23 participantsSkin Health forVitamin C
  28. Comparative Study on the Outcome of Periorbital Wrinkles Treated with Laser-Assisted Delivery of Vitamin C or Vitamin C Plus Growth Factors: A Randomized, Double-blind, Clinical Trial.
    Machado BHB; Frame J; Zhang J; Najlah M · Aesthetic plastic surgery · 2021
    Randomized trial149 participantsSkin Health forVitamin C
  29. Randomized trial of topical ascorbic acid in DMSO versus imiquimod for the treatment of basal cell carcinoma.
    Burke B; Bailie JE · Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie · 2022
    Randomized trial25 participantsSkin Health forVitamin C
  30. Vitamin C improves healing of foot ulcers: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
    Gunton JE; Girgis CM; Lau T; Vicaretti M; Begg L; Flood V · The British journal of nutrition · 2022
    Randomized trial16 participantsSkin Health forVitamin C
  31. Role of Oral Vitamin 'C' on Astigmatic Errors in Phacoemulsification.
    Mohan S; Sah K; Khattri M; Ahmad L; Sachan SK · Current eye research · 2021
    Randomized trial400 participantsVision Support forVitamin C
  32. Ascorbic acid metabolites are involved in intraocular pressure control in the general population.
    Hysi PG; Khawaja AP; Menni C; Tamraz B; Wareham N; Khaw KT; Foster PJ; Benet LZ; Spector TD; Hammond CJ · Redox biology · 2019
    Observational studyVision Support forVitamin C
  33. Nutritional modulation of cataract.
    Weikel KA; Garber C; Baburins A; Taylor A · Nutrition reviews · 2014
    Narrative reviewVision Support forVitamin C
  34. Dietary n-3 Fatty Acid, α-Tocopherol, Zinc, vitamin D, vitamin C, and β-carotene are Associated with Age-Related Macular Degeneration in Japan.
    Aoki A; Inoue M; Nguyen E; Obata R; Kadonosono K; Shinkai S; Hashimoto H; Sasaki S; Yanagi Y · Scientific reports · 2017
    Case-control study530 participantsVision Support forVitamin C
  35. Adherence to a Mediterranean diet, lifestyle and age-related macular degeneration: the Coimbra Eye Study - report 3.
    Raimundo M; Mira F; Cachulo MDL; Barreto P; Ribeiro L; Farinha C; Laíns I; Nunes S; Alves D; Figueira J; Merle BM; Delcourt C; Santos L; Silva R · Acta ophthalmologica · 2019
    Case-control study883 participantsVision Support forVitamin C