Introduction Although the popularity of complementary and alternative medicine CAM in Italy has risen in the last decade information about its use by paediatric patients is still scarce Methods A narrative non systematic review was performed by combining expert opinions with a thorough and balanced review of available evidence A literature search of local as well as international published surveys was performed to present an overview about use of CAM in children in Italy Furthermore integration of CAM within different levels of healthcare in paediatrics was described Results Twenty surveys were found between and Most surveys in the general population showed a CAM use between and a similar prevalence in children Homeopathy proved to be the most frequently used CAM followed by phytotherapy acupuncture Anthroposophic medicine manual treatment chiropractic and osteopathy and oriental medicine Although there are many outpatient clinics and inpatient wards offering CAM and many educational programs for medical professionals there is still no national regulation on the handling of CAM Conclusion CAM use in Italy seems to be as high as in other European countries in adults and in children But in contrast to most other countries several surveys have been conducted to describe CAM use and its users and multiple efforts have been made to clarify its role in the health system Local CAM experts are in the process of creating a national law which corresponds with future guidelines of the European Union
