http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/751263?src=mpnews Absolute garbage study, seriously. Regression analysis studies are notoriously inaccurate and the supplement use was self-reported. Why would a postmenopausal woman need iron anyway? Of course, iron should not be taken unless needed otherwise it can increase oxidative stress and risk of heart attack and stroke. Also, associating vitamin use with overall mortality is a pretty poor endpoint. Quality of life should be the endpoint.

Zinc can be toxic at high doses and zinc deficiency is associated with macular degeneration, low SOD function and low metalloproteinase activity in adults. Zinc and iron can be measured in the blood to determine if supplemental use is needed. As far as the calcium is concerned I question any association at all with overall mortality. It helps bone density and prevents colon cancer but increases heart attack risk (maybe). Possibly the benefits and risks cancel each other out.