What E52 covers · when clinicians use it
ICD-10 code E52 identifies Niacin deficiency [pellagra] in the U.S. ICD-10-CM clinical and billing record set. It sits within the Endocrine, Nutritional & Metabolic chapter (E00–E89), the section that groups related diagnoses so providers, payers, and public-health agencies report them consistently. Clinicians and medical coders apply E52 when an encounter's findings match the Niacin deficiency [pellagra] description, attaching it to the patient record so downstream insurance claims, payer audits, quality reporting, and epidemiological surveillance all reference the same standardized diagnosis. The ICD-10-CM is maintained by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the CDC's National Center for Health Statistics, with an updated official code set released each U.S. fiscal year — always verify E52 against the current CMS/CDC release and your payer's documentation guidance before final use. This page summarizes documentation context for E52 and is a coding reference, not clinical, diagnostic, or billing advice.
E52 refers to Niacin deficiency [pellagra], a nutritional deficiency that can result from inadequate dietary intake, malabsorption, chronic disease, or increased physiological needs. These deficiencies affect growth, immune function, neurological health, bone development, and overall well-being.
Symptoms
- Night blindness or dry eyes – From vitamin A deficiency
- Fatigue or irritability – Seen in B-complex and vitamin C deficiencies
- Bone pain or rickets – Associated with vitamin D or calcium deficiencies
- Dermatitis or diarrhea – Typical of niacin or zinc deficiency
- Impaired wound healing – Seen with vitamin C and zinc deficiencies
- Neurological symptoms – Linked to thiamine, B12, or selenium deficits
- Residual developmental issues – From E64 sequelae of past malnutrition
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of Niacin deficiency [pellagra] includes blood tests for micronutrient levels, dietary intake assessment, physical examination, and in some cases, genetic testing for absorption disorders. Chronic malnutrition history may also guide diagnostic interpretation.
ICD10 Code Usage
ICD10 code E52 is widely used in internal medicine, pediatrics, geriatrics, and public health settings to track vitamin and mineral deficiencies. It supports clinical nutrition planning, supplementation protocols, and documentation for insurance and epidemiology.
Related Codes
- E50 – Vitamin A deficiency
- E51 – Thiamine deficiency
- E53 – Deficiency of other B group vitamins
- E54 – Ascorbic acid deficiency
- E55 – Vitamin D deficiency
- E56 – Other vitamin deficiencies
- E58 – Dietary calcium deficiency
- E59 – Dietary selenium deficiency
- E60 – Dietary zinc deficiency
- E61 – Deficiency of other nutrient elements
- E63 – Other nutritional deficiencies
- E64 – Sequelae of malnutrition and other nutritional deficiencies
FAQs
Q1: What is ICD10 code E52?
A: It is used to document Niacin deficiency [pellagra], a deficiency of vitamins or essential nutrients critical for body function.
Q2: What causes nutrient deficiencies?
A: Poor diet, malabsorption syndromes, chronic illness, alcohol use disorder, or lack of sun exposure (for vitamin D).
Q3: Are these deficiencies reversible?
A: Most are correctable with targeted dietary changes and supplementation.
Q4: Who is most at risk?
A: Children, elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with gastrointestinal disorders or restrictive diets.
Q5: How are they treated?
A: Oral or IV supplements, fortified foods, and addressing the underlying condition causing malnutrition.
Conclusion
ICD10 code E52 enables the accurate diagnosis and management of Niacin deficiency [pellagra]. Proper coding ensures effective nutritional interventions, improves health outcomes, and facilitates public health initiatives targeting malnutrition and micronutrient deficiency.