A note on the comparison of mixed-effects models for longitudinal studies

Abstract This paper concerns methods of choosing appropriate models for longitudinal studies. Attention is paid to three criteria: the marginal Akaike Information Criterion (mAIC), the conditional Akaike Information Criterion (cAIC), and the corrected conditional Akaike Information Criterion (ccAIC). We consider these criteria based on an example concerning the effect of storage time and addition of flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) preparations (i.e. ground flaxseeds, defatted flaxseed meal and flaxseed ethanolic extract) on changes in lipid oxidation and fatty acid composition during the storage of liver pâté with partial substitution of fat with flax oil.