2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code E56

Other vitamin deficiencies

ICD-10-CM Code:: E56
ICD-10 Code for:: Other vitamin deficiencies
Is Billable?: Not Valid for Submission
Code Navigator:

E56 is a non-specific and non-billable diagnosis code code, consider using a code with a higher level of specificity for a diagnosis of other vitamin deficiencies. 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.

Table of Contents

Code Information
Specific Coding
Tabular List of Diseases and Injuries
Patient Education
Other Codes Used Similar Conditions
Code History

Specific Coding Applicable to Other vitamin deficiencies

Non-specific codes like E56 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 other vitamin deficiencies:

Use E56.0 for Deficiency of vitamin E - BILLABLE CODE
Use E56.1 for Deficiency of vitamin K - BILLABLE CODE
Use E56.8 for Deficiency of other vitamins - BILLABLE CODE
Use E56.9 for Vitamin deficiency, unspecified - BILLABLE CODE

Code Classification

Endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases
E00–E89
- Other nutritional deficiencies
  E50-E64
  - Other vitamin deficiencies
    E56

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

sequelae of other vitamin deficiencies E64.8

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]

Vitamins

Vitamins are substances that your body needs to grow and develop normally. There are 13 vitamins your body needs. They are:

Vitamin A
B vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, vitamin B-6, vitamin B-12 and folate)
Vitamin C
Vitamin D
Vitamin E
Vitamin K

You can usually get all your vitamins from the foods you eat. Your body can also make vitamins D and K. People who eat a vegetarian diet may need to take a vitamin B12 supplement.

Each vitamin has specific jobs. If you have low levels of certain vitamins, you may get health problems. For example, if you don't get enough vitamin C, you could become anemic. Some vitamins may help prevent medical problems. Vitamin A prevents night blindness.

The best way to get enough vitamins is to eat a balanced diet with a variety of foods. In some cases, you may need to take vitamin supplements. It's a good idea to ask your health care provider first. High doses of some vitamins can cause problems.