Which factor does NOT influence an individual's nutritional needs?

An individual's nutritional needs are affected by various factors that play significant roles in how the body functions and requires nutrients. Age impacts nutritional needs because different life stages, such as infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and older age, require varying amounts of energy and different nutrients for proper development and maintenance. Similarly, gender influences nutritional requirements, as males and females may have different caloric and nutrient needs due to differences in body composition, hormonal profiles, and metabolic rates. Health status also has a major impact; for instance, certain medical conditions or lifestyle factors can increase the need for specific nutrients or change the way the body processes them.

In contrast, hair color does not have a physiological basis for influencing an individual's nutritional needs. While it may be a characteristic of a person, it does not affect metabolic processes, energy expenditure, or nutrient absorption. As such, it is not considered a determinant in creating dietary recommendations or assessing nutritional requirements.