Inappropriate statistical method in a parallel-group randomized controlled trial results in unsubstantiated conclusions. Issue 1 (December 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dimova, Rositsa; Allison, David
• Is Part Of: Nutrition journal. Volume 15:Issue 1(2016)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 3
• Publication Date: 2015-12
• Subjects: Statistical analyses -- Flaxseed -- Research integrity -- Research reporting -- Nutrition -- Obesity; Nutrition -- Periodicals; 612.305
• DOI: 10.1186/s12937-016-0163-z
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1475-2891

Abstract

Abstract The conclusions of Cassani et al. in the January 2015 issue ofNutrition Journal (doi:10.1186/1475-2891-14-5 ) cannot be substantiated by the analysis reported nor by the data themselves. The authors ascribed the observed decrease in inflammatory markers to the components of flaxseed and based their conclusions on within-group comparisons made between the final and the baseline measurements separately in each arm of the randomized controlled trial. However, this is an improper approach and the conclusions of the paper are invalid. A correct analysis of the data shows no such effects.