Hmm... I don't think meat eating makes any difference unless the vegetarian diet is deficient. The research shows that just as many meat eaters are anaemic as vegetarians. Also vegetarians tend to live longer (see
http://www.nhs.uk/news/2013/06June/P...-lifespan.aspx) which would imply that they are less susceptible to disease. However it's important that vegetarians have a balanced diet including getting the right kinds of iron rich protein.
We all need sufficient Vitamin C to maximise iron absorption from food. I've been vegetarian (with occasional fish) all my life and my red cells are the least of my worries. I've never had low B12.
I personally believe that stress is a very big factor.