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  3. E00–E89
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  6. 2026 ICD-10-CM Code E61

2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code E61

Deficiency of other nutrient elements

ICD-10-CM Code:
E61
ICD-10 Code for:
Deficiency of other nutrient elements
Is Billable?
Not Valid for Submission
Code Navigator:

E61 is a non-specific and non-billable diagnosis code code, consider using a code with a higher level of specificity for a diagnosis of deficiency of other nutrient elements. 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 Deficiency of other nutrient elements

Non-specific codes like E61 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 deficiency of other nutrient elements:

  • Use E61.0 for Copper deficiency - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use E61.1 for Iron deficiency - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use E61.2 for Magnesium deficiency - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use E61.3 for Manganese deficiency - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use E61.4 for Chromium deficiency - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use E61.5 for Molybdenum deficiency - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use E61.6 for Vanadium deficiency - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use E61.7 for Deficiency of multiple nutrient elements - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use E61.8 for Deficiency of other specified nutrient elements - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use E61.9 for Deficiency of nutrient element, unspecified - BILLABLE CODE

Code Classification

  • Endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases
    E00–E89
    • Other nutritional deficiencies
      E50-E64
      • Deficiency of other nutrient elements
        E61

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.


Use Additional Code

Use Additional Code
The “use additional code” indicates that a secondary code could be used to further specify the patient’s condition. This note is not mandatory and is only used if enough information is available to assign an additional code.
  • code for adverse effect, if applicable, to identify drug T36 T50

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.
  • disorders of mineral metabolism E83
  • iodine deficiency related thyroid disorders E00 E02
  • sequelae of malnutrition and other nutritional deficiencies E64

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]

Minerals

Minerals are important for your body to stay healthy. Your body uses minerals for many different jobs, including keeping your bones, muscles, heart, and brain working properly. Minerals are also important for making enzymes and hormones.

There are two kinds of minerals: macrominerals and trace minerals. You need larger amounts of macrominerals. They include calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, chloride and sulfur. You only need small amounts of trace minerals. They include iron, manganese, copper, iodine, zinc, cobalt, fluoride and selenium.

Most people get the amount of minerals they need by eating a wide variety of foods. In some cases, your doctor may recommend a mineral supplement. People who have certain health problems or take some medicines may need to get less of one of the minerals. For example, people with chronic kidney disease need to limit foods that are high in potassium.


[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.