A Review of the Mantel Test in Dietary Studies: Effect of Sample Size and Inequality of Sample Sizes.

The Mantel test has been widely used in many areas of research in biological science since its publication in 1967 and is particularly well suited to use in dietary studies. It is a non-parametric test that has been suggested as appropriate for comparisons when sample sizes are small. The methodology is reviewed, benefits to be gained are examined, and effects of features that have considerable impact (sample-size dependence and sensitivity to inequality of sample size) are considered.