The probiotic bacterial strains used in this investigation were:
Bifidobacterium longum NCIMB 8809 and Bifidobacterium breve NCIMB
8807. Strains were obtained from NCIMB as stock cultures and freezedried
before storage at−20 °C. Prior to their use, the cultures were revived
aseptically and grown anaerobically on Bifidobacteria Selective
Medium (BSM) Agar at 37 °C in jars using an atmosphere generation
system (Oxoid Anaerogen™) and an indicator strip.