ICD-10 Code D53 – Other nutritional anemias (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code D53 – Other nutritional anemias
What it is
D53 identifies anemias caused by nutritional deficiency that do not fit the more specific folate, vitamin B12, or iron-deficiency categories. Use it when the record documents a nutritional anemia, but the exact deficiency is not named.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Patients may show general anemia findings such as fatigue, pallor, weakness, or reduced exercise tolerance, with evidence that the cause is nutritional rather than blood loss or chronic disease.
When to use this code
Use D53 when the provider diagnoses a nutritional anemia and does not specify a more exact type. It also fits cases where the chart notes poor dietary intake or malnutrition as the cause, but the deficiency is still unspecified.
Check documentation if the record mentions iron, folate, or vitamin B12 deficiency, because those conditions are coded elsewhere. If the cause is unclear, this code may be appropriate until the provider clarifies the diagnosis.
Do not use for
Do not use D53 for confirmed iron deficiency anemia, folate deficiency anemia, or vitamin B12 deficiency anemia. Also avoid it when anemia is due to bleeding, chronic disease, renal disease, or another non-nutritional cause.
Coding tip
Code D53 only when the provider links the anemia to nutrition and the specific deficiency is not documented.