ICD-10 Code D53.8 – Other specified nutritional anemias (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code D53.8 – Other specified nutritional anemias
What it is
D53.8 identifies anemia caused by a nutritional deficiency that does not fit a more specific ICD-10 category. Use it when the record documents a nutrition-related anemia, but the exact deficiency is not otherwise classified.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Common anemia findings may include fatigue, pallor, weakness, and reduced exercise tolerance, but you should code only when the provider links the anemia to a nutritional cause.
When to use this code
Use D53.8 when the clinician documents “other specified nutritional anemia,” “nutritional anemia NOS,” or a similar diagnosis that is not better captured by a more specific code. It may apply when the cause is nutritional but does not match folate, vitamin B12, or iron deficiency categories. Check documentation if the note is unclear.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for iron deficiency anemia, folate deficiency anemia, vitamin B12 deficiency anemia, or anemia from blood loss or chronic disease. If the record names a specific deficiency, code that condition instead.
Coding tip
Code the documented nutritional cause first when it is specified; otherwise, use D53.8 only when the provider clearly supports a nonspecific nutritional anemia.