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  6. 2026 ICD-10-CM Code E50

2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code E50

Vitamin A deficiency

ICD-10-CM Code:
E50
ICD-10 Code for:
Vitamin A deficiency
Is Billable?
Not Valid for Submission
Code Navigator:

E50 is a non-specific and non-billable diagnosis code code, consider using a code with a higher level of specificity for a diagnosis of vitamin a deficiency. The code is not specific and is NOT valid for the year 2026 for the submission of HIPAA-covered transactions. Category or Header define the heading of a category of codes that may be further subdivided by the use of 4th, 5th, 6th or 7th characters.

Specific Coding Applicable to Vitamin A deficiency

Non-specific codes like E50 require more digits to indicate the appropriate level of specificity. Consider using any of the following ICD-10-CM codes with a higher level of specificity when coding for vitamin a deficiency:

  • Use E50.0 for Vitamin A deficiency with conjunctival xerosis - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use E50.1 for Vitamin A deficiency with Bitot's spot and conjunctival xerosis - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use E50.2 for Vitamin A deficiency with corneal xerosis - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use E50.3 for Vitamin A deficiency with corneal ulceration and xerosis - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use E50.4 for Vitamin A deficiency with keratomalacia - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use E50.5 for Vitamin A deficiency with night blindness - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use E50.6 for Vitamin A deficiency with xerophthalmic scars of cornea - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use E50.7 for Other ocular manifestations of vitamin A deficiency - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use E50.8 for Other manifestations of vitamin A deficiency - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use E50.9 for Vitamin A deficiency, unspecified - BILLABLE CODE

Code Classification

  • Endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases
    E00–E89
    • Other nutritional deficiencies
      E50-E64
      • Vitamin A deficiency
        E50

Clinical Information

  • Vitamin A Deficiency

    a nutritional condition produced by a deficiency of vitamin a in the diet, characterized by night blindness and other ocular manifestations such as dryness of the conjunctiva and later of the cornea (xerophthalmia). vitamin a deficiency is a very common problem worldwide, particularly in developing countries as a consequence of famine or shortages of vitamin a-rich foods. in the united states it is found among the urban poor, the elderly, alcoholics, and patients with malabsorption. (from cecil textbook of medicine, 19th ed, p1179)

  • Vitamin A Deficiency

    deficiency of vitamin a due to malnutrition, malabsorption, or dietary lack. it is manifested with reduced night vision, night blindness, and xerophthalmia.

Tabular List of Diseases and Injuries

The following annotation back-references are applicable to this diagnosis code. The Tabular List of Diseases and Injuries is a list of ICD-10-CM codes, organized "head to toe" into chapters and sections with coding notes and guidance for inclusions, exclusions, descriptions and more.


Type 1 Excludes

Type 1 Excludes
A type 1 excludes note is a pure excludes note. It means "NOT CODED HERE!" An Excludes1 note indicates that the code excluded should never be used at the same time as the code above the Excludes1 note. An Excludes1 is used when two conditions cannot occur together, such as a congenital form versus an acquired form of the same condition.
  • sequelae of vitamin A deficiency E64.1

Patient Education


Malnutrition

What is malnutrition?

Malnutrition means that your body isn't getting enough calories or the right balance of nutrients to stay healthy. This can happen if you don't get enough protein, carbohydrates, and fats, eat too much unhealthy food, or don't get the vitamins and minerals your body needs.

Malnutrition can affect people of all ages, but children, older adults, and people with chronic (long-term) health problems have a higher risk.

What are the types of malnutrition?

Most people think of undernutrition with malnutrition. But malnutrition can refer to undernutrition, overnutrition, or an imbalance of nutrients.

Types of malnutrition include:

  • Protein-energy undernutrition, also called macronutrient undernutrition, happens when your body doesn't get enough protein or calories from food. Two serious forms of this are kwashiorkor and marasmus.
  • An imbalanced nutritional status occurs when you are not getting the right mix of nutrients. You may get enough calories, but not enough vitamins or minerals.
  • Vitamin deficiency diseases happen when your body doesn't get enough of certain vitamins. Without the right vitamins, your body cannot stay healthy and may develop specific diseases. For example, scurvy can develop from too little vitamin C, rickets from too little vitamin D, and anemia from too little iron or vitamin B12.
  • Failure to thrive occurs when children don't gain weight or grow as expected. This may be due to not getting enough food, trouble absorbing nutrients, or other health problems.
  • Overnutrition can occur when your body gets too many calories or nutrients. This may lead to obesity or other health issues.

What causes malnutrition?

Malnutrition may occur for many reasons, including:

  • An unbalanced diet that lacks variety or specific nutrients.
  • Some medical issues, which could include malabsorption syndromes, dementia, eating disorders, depression, alcohol use disorder (AUD), or cancer.
  • Problems with swallowing, digestion, or dental issues.
  • Certain medicines that affect how food tastes and smells.
  • Not being able to get food or cook due to things such as chronic illness, mobility issues, or low income.

Who is at risk for developing malnutrition?

Malnutrition can affect anyone, but some people have a higher risk than others. This includes people who:

  • Don't have enough knowledge about nutrition
  • Don't have access to a variety of food
  • Are older adults or children
  • Have a low income
  • Have a chronic (long-term) illness

What are the symptoms of malnutrition?

The symptoms of malnutrition can vary. You may have no symptoms, but if you do, they may include:

  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Dizziness
  • Losing weight without trying
  • Low body weight
  • Slow growth or development in children
  • Frequent infections or slow healing
  • Dry skin or brittle hair and nails
  • Swelling in the legs, feet, or belly

How is malnutrition diagnosed?

To check for malnutrition, your provider may:

  • Do a nutritional screening, which may include questions about weight loss, changes in your appetite, and your ability to eat.
  • Do a physical exam and order blood tests to check for signs that you don't have enough nutrients.
  • Refer you to other providers that specialize in nutrition, such as a dietician.

What are the treatments for malnutrition?

Treatment for malnutrition may include improving your diet, replacing missing nutrients, and treating the underlying cause.

Can malnutrition be prevented?

To help prevent malnutrition, eat a healthy diet with many different foods. Talk with your provider if you are worried about your diet, weight loss, or your child's growth.


[Learn More in MedlinePlus]

Vitamin A

Vitamins are substances that your body needs to grow and develop normally. Vitamin A plays a role in your:

  • Vision
  • Bone growth
  • Reproduction
  • Cell functions
  • Immune system

Vitamin A is an antioxidant. It can come from plant or animal sources. Plant sources include colorful fruits and vegetables. Animal sources include liver and whole milk. Vitamin A is also added to foods like cereals.

Vegetarians, young children, and alcoholics may need extra Vitamin A. You might also need more if you have certain conditions, such as liver diseases, cystic fibrosis, and Crohn's disease. Check with your health care provider to see if you need to take vitamin A supplements.

NIH: National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements


[Learn More in MedlinePlus]

Code History

  • FY 2026 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2025 through 9/30/2026
  • FY 2025 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2024 through 9/30/2025
  • FY 2024 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2023 through 9/30/2024
  • FY 2023 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2022 through 9/30/2023
  • FY 2022 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022
  • FY 2021 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2020 through 9/30/2021
  • FY 2020 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2019 through 9/30/2020
  • FY 2019 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2018 through 9/30/2019
  • FY 2018 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2017 through 9/30/2018
  • FY 2017 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2016 through 9/30/2017
  • FY 2016 - New Code, effective from 10/1/2015 through 9/30/2016. This was the first year ICD-10-CM was implemented into the HIPAA code set.