When that happens, it can cause genetic information to get mixed up, duplicated, destroyed or leading to cell malfunction. HOW IS MICRONUTRIENT STATUS LINKED TO Telomere LENGTH? Progressive shortening of telomeres leads to senescence, apoptosis, or oncogenic transformation of somatic cells, affecting the health and lifespan of an individual. The rate of telomere shortening can be either increased or decreased by specific nutrition and lifestyle. Better choice of diet and activities has a greatest potential to reduce the rate of telomere shortening or at least prevent excessive telomere attrition, leading to delayed onset of age-associated diseases and increased lifespan.