Safety and intestinal microbiota modulation by the exopolysaccharide-producing strains Bifidobacterium animalis IPLA R1 and Bifidobacterium longum IPLA E44 orally administered to Wistar rats

► The oral administration of B. animalis IPLA R1 and B. longum E44 strains is considered safe. ► Caecum microbiota diversity increases following oral administration of B. animalis R1 to rats. ► Short chain fatty acids are lower in caecum and higher in feces of rats fed bifidobacteria vs. placebo. ► Feeding B. animalis or B. longum promotes higher levels of bifidobacteria and B. animalis in rats caecum.