How long after going vegetarian might iron deficiency anemia occur?

Man or woman?: Female vegetarians would tend to lose iron more quickly and become anemic due to monthly menstrual losses. Pregnancy and breastfeeding also lead to iron loss. "heme" sources of iron (animal iron) are more readily digested than "non-heme" iron found in grains and vegetables, but vegetarians can get enough iron in a diet to maintain health. More info: http://1.Usa.Gov/9mbfej.