I was vegetarian for four years. I did it for ethical reasons (not only animal rights, but also the theory that breeding animals consumes more resources and polutes mores). My cholesterol went up and my iron levels were below normal. I couldn't fix it with supplements or a better assessed vegetarian diet. I wasn't eating high cholesterol foods. When I found out I had celiac desease I couldn't juggle being both vegetarian and following a gluten free diet. I went back to eating meat. My cholesterol went back to the most desirable and healthiest levels and so did my iron levels. Going vegetarian or vegan may not be for everyone.